Agenda - Council - 02/23/2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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for a change in land use designation and requesting updates to classifications of several roadways within the community, based on forecasted traffic flows. Miscellaneous In addition to the projects described above, the Planning Division received several land use applications including: • Three (3) Site Plans • Four (4) Subdivisions • Seven (7) Variances • Ten (10) Conditional /Interim Use Permits • Five (5) Home Occupations The Planning Division also processed several City Code Amendments, including a revised heliport ordinance, a new ordinance requiring the addition of pre- approved topsoil on parcels constructing a new primary structure, a revised ordinance regulating motor vehicle sales as a conditional use, a new ordinance permitting the construction of Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) and a revised residential off - street parking ordinance. The ordinance requiring a minimum amount of approved topsoil was approved as a water conservation tool for the City. As the City continues to develop, concerns regarding adequate water supply surface continue. One of the biggest uses of the City's municipal water supply is irrigation of lawns in summer months. The topsoil ordinance is aimed at reducing the amount of water required to irrigate lawns in the community in the sandy soils that exist within the community. In response to adequacy of enforcement procedures for motor vehicle sales and repair, the City began allowing these uses as a conditional use rather than a permitted use. This allows the City to explore the adequacy of each parcel for motor vehicle sales and repair, while providing another tool for removal of noncompliant parcels. Renewed interest in alternative sources of energy prompted the City to permit Wind Energy Conversion Systems in certain circumstances. In response to increasing complaints regarding the parking of motor vehicles in residential districts, the City amended the off - street parking ordinance, most notably limiting the number of items allowed to be stored outdoors. The City also repealed an existing ordinance regarding protection of wetlands related to requiring a prescribed vegetative buffer along a delineated boundary of a wetland. All ordinances were drafted in order to balance property rights while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the community. The Planning Division continues to support strengthening the City's mapping and GIS capabilities, participating in LOGIS GIS planning meetings. LOGIS continues to support development of a public facing web - mapping application for the City. This new product, gGov, is under quality control review and could be ready to be incorporated in the City's website in 2010. The City continues to benefit from an internal, web -based mapping application developed by LOGIS that allows City staff to quickly and easily look up critical parcel data required to make daily decisions. The Planning Division continues to monitor increases in foreclosures experienced by the community. The Planning Division looks for ways to reduce the amount of vacant parcels within the community and provides support of efforts by Public Works and Public Safety to protect municipal infrastructure from damage by frozen pipes in winter months. City of Ramsey Page 2009 Annual Report 13