HomeMy WebLinkAboutA026 - Resolution approving request from Danfoss to waive sidewalk installation requirement at 2800 E. 13th StreetITEM #:28
DATE:09-09-25
DEPT:P&H
SUBJECT:REQUEST FROM DANFOSS TO WAIVE SIDEWALK INSTALLATION
REQUIREMENT AT 2800 E. 13TH STREET
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Danfoss, at 2800 E. 13th Street, is in the process of seeking permits to construct a new,
freestanding daycare building on the same property as the existing manufacturing facility. An
earlier iteration of the daycare project on the neighboring 3M property (to the west) has not
materialized. Danfoss is now intending to build the free-standing daycare building without 3M.
In order to receive state funding, the project must be completed by the end of March 2026.
The new construction triggers the requirement for a sidewalk/shared use path along E.
13th Street (Sec. 5.118 - INFRASTRUCTURE TO BE INSTALLED). Chapter 22, Streets and
Sidewalks, in Sec. 22.31(1), also requires necessary infrastructure prior to issuance of a
building permit.
Danfoss has requested a waiver of the requirement to install a sidewalk or shared use
path along the south side of E. 13th Street in front of the Danfoss property. The waiver
request specifically pertains to the requirement to install the sidewalk/shared use path
in conjunction with the construction of the daycare. The request is not to waive the
requirement in perpetuity.
The frontage along E. 13th does not have a sidewalk, nor does property to the west. To the
east of the Danfoss property is the ramp for entering the southbound lanes of Interstate 35.
The nearest sidewalk/shared use path is on the east side of Dayton Avenue, approximately
1,270 feet to the west of the Danfoss parcel. See Attachment A for maps and aerials.
If the sidewalk requirement were imposed, Danfoss would need to install approximately 1,000
feet of sidewalk along E. 13th Street, excluding the vehicular entrance to the property.
Approximately 65 feet is to the west of the driveway entrance. The remainder is to the east
and ends in the highway entrance ramp.
Chapter 22 of Municipal Code also grants Council the ability to grant a waiver to sidewalk
requirements for "previously developed properties abutting atypical right-of-way widths and
improvements". Sec. 22.31(6)(c) gives City Council the authority to approve additional
infrastructure waivers or deferral agreements, with or without financial security, for properties
within the Intensive Industrial Zoning District and for previously developed properties abutting
atypical right-of-way widths and improvements, such as high voltage transmission lines and
on-street parking, that may preclude the construction of a sidewalk or shared use path as
required by ordinance.
Installing a sidewalk or shared use path at this time would not connect to a larger
sidewalk network. It is unknown when the City would extend the sidewalk or shared use
path from the intersection of E. 13th Street and Dayton Avenue. To the east of I-35 is
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mostly undeveloped land, though several warehouse/industrial projects are planned.
This request is only for a waiver of the requirement with the daycare project - not a
permanent waiver for the property. Any subsequent development would be required to
install the infrastructure as mandated in the Municipal Code. Constructing the
sidewalk, particularly in winter, could also create difficulties as Danfoss moves quickly
to build the daycare before the deadline at the end of March 2026.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the request to waive the requirement to install a sidewalk or shared use path in
conjunction with a new daycare building along the south side of E. 13th Street in front of
the Danfoss property.
2. Deny the request for a waiver of the sidewalk or shared use path requirement.
3. Defer the decision to a future meeting and request additional information from staff.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The applicant's request is to waive the requirement to install a sidewalk or shared use path
along E. 13th Street in conjunction with the new daycare project on the Danfoss property.
The Code allows for waivers for "previously developed properties abutting atypical right-of-way
widths and improvements." Staff believes that the abutting interstate entrance ramp and
the undeveloped land to the east is an atypical condition that will mean installing a
sidewalk or shared use path will lead to a location not intended for pedestrians or
bicyclists.
Public Works staff has noted that the right-of-way in this area is in need of
modifications to comprehensively address connectivity, traffic control, utilities, and
drainage, and installing a sidewalk or shared-use path at this time is likely to result in
the need to remove and relocate it in the next few years.
Therefore, it is the City Manager's recommendation that the Council adopt Alternative #1, as
described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment A.pdf
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§¨¦35
DAYTON AVE
E 13TH ST
WATT ST
Sidewalk Waiver Request2800 E. 13th StreetSeptember 23, 2025
Legend
Danfoss Property05001,000250Feet
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FutureDaycareSite
Danfoss
3M
Nearest Sidew alk
ATTACHMENT A
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E 13TH ST
Sidewalk Waiver Request2800 E. 13th StreetSeptember 23, 2025
Legend
Danfoss Property0200400100Feet
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FutureDaycareSite
Danfoss
Required Sidewalk
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