Agenda - Planning Commission - 03/03/2011

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Regular Planning Commission Item #: 6. 1. Date: 03/03/2011 By: Tim Gladhill Community Development Information Title: Consider Ordinance to Amend Section 117-90 "Map" of Chapter 117 of the Ramsey City Code Related to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Background: Every ten (10) years, municipalities within the Metropolitan Council's jurisdiction are required to adopt an updated Comprehensive Plan per Minnesota Statute 473, which includes a Future Land Use (FLU) Map. The City recently completed this round of updates and officially instituted a revised FLU Map. Within nine (9) months, the City must now update its official controls, including zoning code text amendments and amendments to the Official Zoning Map to be consistent with the Future Land Use Map. Notification: The Public Hearing was properly notified in the Anoka County Union. Although mailing notices are not required if the amendment involves more than five (5) acres, City Staff attempted to notify affected parcels of the Public Hearing via Standard US Mail. Observations: The City is processing these amendments in phases. This first phase includes amendments that do not include revised or new zoning districts be established. The second phase is anticipated to consist of the current Central Rural Reserve District as a follow up to the Central Rural Reserve Study. The final phase is anticipated to include those areas which require new or revised zoning districts. These districts include an 'Office Park' and 'Park' zoning district, which are currently not established in the zoning code at this time. City Staff received feedback regarding the proposed change from B-2 Highway Business to R-2 Residential (PID: 283225340002). The idea behind re -zoning this parcel to R-2 Residential was to allow a religious institution as a conditional use (something not permitted under the B-2 Highway Business District), as well as providing for additional residential units to support the commercial area. Participants of the Future Land Use Map creation reviewed the amount of vacant area already guided for commercial use and attempted to provide for a comprehensive land use analysis that addressed some market reality. Although Staff has not heard directly from the owner, Staff understands the desire from this parcel may be to remain B-2 Highway Business District. City Staff has heard from lenders of the parcel and potential buyers of the parcel, but not the entity that holds fee title to the project. City Staff will attempt to contact this owner for clarification, and will provide a recommendation for this parcel at the meeting. The City will need to consider the City's system statement and ensure that adequate areas are guided for anticipated residential uses as well as the market reality of the amount of areas guided for commercial use. If it is the City's desire to allow this parcel to remain B-2 Business, the property owner should submit an application for Comprehensive Plan Amendment to be reviewed. Funding Source: All costs associated with the amendment are being handled as regular staff duties. Staff Recommendation: City Staff recommends approval of the Ordinance to amend the Official Zoning Map as presented.