Minutes - Planning Commission - 08/02/1994

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Mr. Jankowski explained the current policy for assessing MSA roads noting that the policy is under review. Motion by Commissioner Deemer and seconded by Commissioner LaDue to recommend that City Council grant preliminary plat approval to Chestnut Ridge 2nd Addition based on discussion and contingent upon the developer's compliance with City Staff review letter dated July 27, 1994. Motion can'ied. Voting Yes: Chairperson Bawden, Commissioners Deemer, LaDue, and Thorud. Voting No: Commissioner Hendriksen. Absent: Commissioners Holland and Terry. Case #4: Consider Ameuding Thoroughfare Setbacks City Engineer Jankowski briefly reviewed the history of the Planning Commission's discussions concerning the modification of the thoroughfare setback policy in coordination with the County's policy. He outlined the County's new policy, noting that the most significant change is that rather than have a blanket setback for structures fi'om all County Roads, their policy bases the setback on the functional classification of the roadway and on local zoning setback requirements. He added that City Staff believes this is a reasonable and improved approach to establishing setbacks. He specified that the County is recommending that municipalities dedicate a total of 120 feet of right- of-way for all its state and county arterial roadway, with the exception of urban roadway which may be reduced to 100 feet; on roadways which are classified as Principal Arterials (Highway #10) and Minor Arterial A's (Highway #47), an additional 80 feet is recommended for city service roads which are anticipated. He noted that the County is also requesting an optional additional 26-foot right-of-way be considered on Principal Arterials and Minor Arterial A's. Mr. Jankowski stated it was Staff's recommendation that the Planning Commission adopt the County's policy with the exception of Highways #10 and #47, and base it on the type of setback (side, front, back) that applies. Commissioner Deemer stated that the Planning Commission is only proposing to reduce the setback distance from the centerline to an 83-foot minimum, and that other setbacks involved would still apply, superseding and increasing this distance. Commissioner Deemer expressed concern that the County has inaccurately classified Ramsey's roads and suggested waiting for them to be reclassified. Mr. Jankowski suggested passing the amendment with the exceptions of Highways gl0 and #47, thereby having a plan in place for all the other roads involved. Commissioner Hendriksen, citing the specific example of Ramsey Boulevard N.W., stated that the County's policy is exercising control of properties beyond the right-of-way which they have chosen to purchase. Commissioner Deemer suggested adopting a policy stating that all roads are rural connectors, with the exception of Highway #'10, requiring 60 feet from the center of the right-of-way, not the roadway, and adding other setbacks that tbe specific zoning requires. He noted that the City could then make adaptations on a case-by-case basis when the County demonstrates the need for a specific project. Mr. Jankowski each road with classifications. agreed that the City needs to have control over its zoning. He suggested naming their specified setbacks, thereby taking it out of the County's jm'isdiction to name Commissioner Deemer suggested that City Staff furnish documents reclassifying the county road system so that the Planning Commission can adopt or amend the County's policy. Planning Commission/August 2, 1994 Page 7 of 9