Agenda - Council - 07/28/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REQUEST FOR EXCEPTION FROM DEVELOPMENT MORATORIUM; CASE OF CITY OF RAMSEY By: Zoning Administrator Sylvia Frolik Background: On July 14, 1998, Council adopted a moratorium ordinance to place certain land use sensitive parcels within the Metropolitan Urban Service Area under a development moratorium during the completion of the new comprehensive plan. One of the parcels included in that moratorium is part of the Ken Laws estate and it is also the slte selected by City Council for the senior housing project. The City is ready to proceed with a rezoning and site plan review to facilitate the development of the parcel. An exception to the moratorium is required in order to initiate those zoning procedures. Observations: In accordance with Council's policy, the City's request for exception was forwarded to Hoisington Koegler Group for review and recommendation. The response from Hoisington Koegler is that the senior housing project is consistent with the recommended land use, density and life cycle housing goals currently written into the comprehensive land use draft. The following items are enclosed for your information: a) b) Site location map Memorandum from Hoisington Koegler dated July 23, 1998 Recommendation: With respect to the exception criteria, the City Staff recommends the following findings: Criteria 1: That there are special circumstances or conditions affecting said property such that the strict application of the provisions of this Moratorium Ordinance would deprive the petitioner of the reasonable use of petitioner's land. Finding: In 1997, the City Council contracted for a Senior Housing Needs Assessment that resulted in a determination that there is an immediate need for senior housing in the community. The City Council indicated a desire to meet that need as expeditiously as possible. In order to do so, construction should commence prior to ground freeze in 1998 and an exception to the moratorium to process the rezoning and site plan reviews is necessary to meet that time frame. Criteria 2: That the exception is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right of the petitioner.