Agenda - Planning Commission - 05/05/2011

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Regular Planning Commission 6. 4. Meeting Date: 05/05/2011 By: Tim Gladhill, Community Development Title: Request for Interim Use Permit for Go Cart Track at 14550 Armstrong Boulevard; Case of Karl Janzen Background: The City has received an application from Karl Janzen for an Interim Use Permit (IUP) to operate Ramsey Raceway, a go-cart racing track to host a weekly racing circuit. The Subject Property is the former site of an Oasis Market gas and convenience store, set to be demolished over the next month. The City acquired the parcel for the eventual reconstruction of Armstrong Boulevard. The proposed interim use would be set to expire when the parcel is needed for this public purpose. The purpose and intent of allowing interim uses is to allow for uses for a limited time that reasonably utilizes the property where it is not reasonable to utilize in the manner provided in the comprehensive pland and to allow uses that are presently acceptable but that, with anticipated development will not be acceptable in the future. In issuing the permit, the City should find the following: • The use generally conforms with zoning regulations (i.e. bulk standards) • The date or event that will terminate the use can be identified with certainty • Permission of the use will not impose additional costs on the public if it is necessary for the public to take the property in the future • The user agrees to any conditions that the City Council deems appropriate for permission of the use. Notification: All properties within 350 feet of the Subject Property were notified of the Public Hearing by Standard US Mail. The Public Hearing was also notified in the Anoka County Union, the official newspaper of the City of Ramsey. Observations: The Subject Property is approximately 1.23 acres in size and the proposed track would be less than one (1) acre in size and consist of a clay surface. The Subject Property is located just north of Highway 10 and the parallel railroad tracks, and west of Armstrong Blvd. The proposed track would be a 'sunken' track, in that grades would be lowered from the existing surface to create a bowl effect. This was done to decrease visibility of the track itself from Armstrong Boulevard and attempt to better manage stormwater. The proposed use would be classified as commercial outdoor recreation, which is not currently an allowable use within the COR-2 sub -district, but could serve as an acceptable interim use of the Subject Property until such time it is needed for the eventual reconstruction of Armstrong Boulevard. When reviewing the proposed IUP, Staff focused on the following: • Other potential uses that would be viable for a short interim period such as this • Compatibility with surrounding uses, including The COR • Compatibility and potential issues with the City's public nuisance ordinances • Safety of racers and spectators The site plan indicates construction of a wood privacy fence for aesthetic controls and screening, and a chain link fence around the track itself for spectator safety. The interior fence would be lined with tires 18-24 inches high, consistent with the Applicant's insurance requirements, according to the Applicant. A water truck is proposed to be used to control dust created by the racing surface. The Applicant has stated that all safety measures are being provided in accordance with insurance requirements. Staff has avoided making subjective direction as to safety measures to avoid exposure to liability in case the City's safety recommendations were ever deemed insufficient. Races would be held weekly in summer months on either Friday or Saturday nights with one race per week. The