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CASE #: 1 REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS FOR A SENIOR HOUSING FACILITY; CASE OF CITY OF RAMSEY AND ANOKA COUNTY HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY By: Zoning Administrator Sylvia Frolik Background: As you know, the City is working in conjunction w/th the Anoka County Housing and Redevelopment Authority to develop a 50 unit senior housing facility on Dysprosium Street, across the street from the City water tower. The City Code establishes a maximum height structure of 35 feet based on the reach capability of Fire Department equipment. The proposed structure is 3-stories high and will exceed the 35 foot height restriction. The following items are enclosed for your information: a) b) c) d) e) f) Site location map Modified building exterior elevations with height measurements Memo from Fire Chief Dean Kapler dated August 25, 1998 Letter from County Assessor's Office dated August 28, 1998 Proposed Findings of Fact Proposed Variance Observations: The City Code defines building height as the' measurement from the mean ground level to the uppermost point of the roof. The mean ground level at the facility will be 874.5 feet and the highest point of the roof is 919.0 feet; this calculates out to a 9.25 foot encroachment of the 35 foot height restriction. The Fire Chief indicates that the maximum reach capability of the Fire Department for frre suppression and rescue operations is 38 feet. Concern is expressed relating to the possible need to evacuate persons of limited physical ability and agility down an extension ladder, and the impairment of fire suppression activities resulting from equipment that cannot reach the roof line. Ramsey does have a joint powers agreement with the Anoka and Andover Fire Departrnents for emergency assistance and those departments do have aerial ladder trucks with reach capabilities in excess of 80 feet. The Fire Chief also notes that an aerial ladder truck is in Ramsey's 2005 capital equipment plan and that acquisition schedule should be escalated. The architect indicates that the distance from the mean ground level to the third story window heads is 29.5 feet and 24.5 feet to the sills. According to the Uniform Building Code, all dwelling units and public areas of the building will have to be equipped with a fire suppression system (automatic sprinkler system).