Agenda - Planning Commission - 08/04/2011

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Regular Planning Commission Meeting Date: 08/04/2011 By: Patrick Brama, Administrative Services 6. 2. Title: PUBLIC HEARING -Consider ordinance to amend section 117-117 (El Employment District) and Section 117-116 (E2 Employment District). Background: The proposed ordinance would amend E-1 and E-2 Employment standards to permit the retail sales compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel stations. Presently, the City of Ramsey does not have formal language within city zoning code to address the use of retail CNG fuel stations. Therefore, city staff proposes amending city ordinances to allow CNG fueling stations, as a conditional use, in both the E-1 and E-2 Employment Districts. This ordiance, to amend city code, is consistent with City Council strategic goals to encourage sustainable development. The ordinance would allow for an alternative fuel source to be sold within close proximity of potential users. Notification: The Ordinance was properly notified in the Anoka County Union. Observations: The proposed ordinance originated from a request from Ace Solid Waste. The intentions of Ace Solid Waste are to add 4-5 CNG fueled trucks to their fleet; and, to construct a CNG fueling station. Currently, Ace Solid Waste does not have any CNG fueled vehicles. Ace Solid Waste has set April2012 as their target project completion date. NOTE: CNG is an efficent and clean alternative fuel. It's clean, CNG vehicles are even cleaner than hybrid vehicles because they use no gasoline or diesel. The proposed ordinance, to amend city code, is modeled after the City of Blaine; which recently went through a similar process. The retail activity is the trigger for the need for an ordinance amendment at this time. Ace Solid Waste does not have any immediate plans for including a retail component to the fuel station. The station would solely serve Ace's needs. Thus, at this time, Ace Solid Waste would be able to construct their proposed station without additional land use permits (building permits would apply). Attached to this case are the amending ordinances for both the E-1 and E-2 Employment Districts. Upon final adoption, both sections will be consolidated in one amending ordinance Funding Source: NA Staff Recommendation: Adopt the proposed amendment to section 117-117 (El Employment District) and Section 117-116 (E2 Employment District). Committee Action: Motion to recommend that the City Council adopt the ordinance related to retail sales of CNG fuel stations. El Employment District Attachments