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Public Hearing <br />CONSIDER AMENDMENT TO SECTION 117 -111 <br />(R -1 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT) OF CHAPTER 117 OF THE RAMSEY ZONING CODE <br />By: Chris Anderson, Environmental Coordinator <br />Background: <br />In December of 2010, the Board of Adjustment reviewed a request for a variance to rear yard setbacks <br />within the R -1 Residential (MUSA) district. The request happened to involve a property adjacent to <br />parkland rather than other residential lots. As that request was considered, the Board asked Staff to <br />clarify the intent of the rear yard setback. Staff informed the Board that the main purpose is to keep some <br />separation between living spaces on adjoining parcels. Considering the main intent of the setback, the <br />Board directed Staff to modify City Code to provide a reduced rear yard setback for parcels within the R- <br />1 Residential (MUSA) area adjoining open space areas. <br />Observations: <br />Currently, City Code requires a rear yard setback of thirty (30) feet within the MUSA area of the R -1 <br />Residential zoning district. The setback is applicable regardless of the status of adjoining parcels. So, . <br />regardless of whether a parcel adjoins another single family lot or a. separate lot that is dedicated park <br />space, wetland or storm water pond, one cannot deviate from the required setback without the issuance of <br />a variance. <br />Staff has prepared a draft ordinance that would provide a reduced rear yard setback of twenty (20) feet <br />within the MUSA area of the R -1 Residential zoning district. The reduced setback would be applicable <br />for any residential lot that adjoins a permanent open space area. Examples of open space areas would <br />include dedicated park space, a separate parcel consisting of entirely of wetland or storm water pond, or <br />areas zoned Public /Quasi Public (which would include the Boy Scout camp, closed landfill and Ramsey <br />Elementary School properties). <br />Notification: <br />In accordance with State Statute, a public hearing notice was published in the Anoka County Union. <br />Funding Source: <br />Amendments to Chapter 117 are processed as part of Staff's regular duties. <br />Recommendation: <br />CASE # l <br />Staff is aware of the concerns expressed by the Board of Adjustment regarding certain scenarios that this <br />reduced setback would or would not be applied to, but drafting ordinance language to capture those <br />concerns in a way that still allows for consistent application of the requirement became problematic. The <br />Planning Commission may want to review more closely what forms of open space would accommodate a <br />reduced rear yard setback. Examples to consider include: <br />• Active vs. passive open space areas <br />• Differing types of dedicated open spaces (i.e. common areas of a multi - family development) <br />• Parcels containing both active and passive forms of open space <br />