Agenda - Council - 07/24/2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CC Regular Session 7. 3. Meeting Date: 07/24/2012 By: Tim Gladhill, Community Development Information Title: Introduce Ordinance to Establish GF Game Fair Off -Street Parking Overlay District Background: Each year in August, Armstrong Kennels hosts a large event over two (2) weekends. The event is approved through a Conditional Use Permit approved by the City. The Subject Property that hosts the Game Fair only provides off-street parking for vendors of the event. Spectator parking has historically been provided through a combination of parking available at Central Park (with shuttle service provided by the Ramsey Lions) and adjacent residential units. Since the event is only held over two (2) weekends throughout the year, Staff is in support of a temporary waiver of the City's off-street parking ordinance in regard to surfacing requirements. In this area, surfacing would normally need to be a minimum of Class V, ashphalt, or concrete. In addition, the City's off-street parking ordinance limits the number of items allowed to be stored outside. Staff has explored options to officially grant a temporary waiver to the geographic area surrounding the Game Fair during the event. The Planning Commission reviewed the case at their July 12th Regular (re -scheduled) Meeting and recommended approval of the Ordinance Notification: The Notice of Public Hearing was published in the Anoka County Union. Observations: Although Staff does not receive a large number of complaints about the parking situation during the event, Staff does receive concern from time to time during enforcement of other off-street parking violations that the City does not fairly and equitably enforce the off-street parking ordinance during the Game Fair. In order to ensure that the Property Owners providing off-street parking for spectators are not in violation of the technical terms of the ordinance, Staff has begun to research options to provide for this exemption to remain with past practice. The proposed ordinance establishes a Zoning Overlay District that will provide an exemption to off-street parking regulations relating to surfacing and number of items during the operating hours of the Game Fair. The area of the overlay is delineated on the attached map. Staff noted the previous City Council discussion on expanding the area of the overlay district. The Planning Commission did not recommend any changes to the map. However, the Planning Commission did note that allowing for this temporary exemption to the off-street parking requirements helps reduce potential safety concerns by limiting the distance attendees have to walk (especially along and/or across Armstrong Blvd) to the Game Fair. Recommendation: The Planning Commission recommended approval of the Ordinance establishing the GF Game Fair Off -Street Parking Overlay District. Funding Source: The Ordinance is being prepared as part of regular Staff duties. Council Action: