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ARTERIAL THOROUGHFARE By: Steven Jankowski, City SETBACKS Engineer CASE Background: At a previous meeting, Commissioner Deemer suggested revising the setback distance for structures from the centerline of County Roads and arterial street rights-of-way from 110 feet to 83 feet. The Commission directed Staff to review similar communities setback requirements. Attached is a listing of setback requirements in surrounding area communities. Andover has a requirement exactly the same as Ramsey, while Coon Rapids, Champlin and Anoka require 50 feet from the right-of-way which would be identical to our setback, providing the standard 120 foot county road right-of-way is in place. Blaine, as you might notice, allows for a ten foot reduction to 40 feet in some instances. The County has had a policy in place since the early 1980's requesting that setbacks from the centerline of county road right-of-way be 110 feet. However, this policy is advisory and there are no enforcement provisions if a city decides upon a different setback. Jon Olson, Deputy County Engineer, indicated that all communities within the County are adhering to this policy. Mr. Olson indicated that he was in the process of preparing a guideline for cities for right-of-way acquisition. Part of this policy will be a provision which will require that cities not in compliance with the guidelines will be responsible for acquisition costs on cost-share projects with the County. The County's need for right-of-way width from road centerline on a two lane highway is summarized as follows: major travel lane, 12 feet; turning lane or bypass lane, 12 feet; clear zone free of collision obstructions, 30 feet; utility accommodation, 6 feet. These distances justify the 120 foot right-of-way requirement Although not all two lane roadways currently comply with the 30 feet clear zone for utilities, it might be anticipated that future reconstructions will incorporate the inclusiOn of the requirement. A reduction of the setback to county roads to 83 feet could place structures within 23 to 29 feet of overhead power poles. Structures, however, would still be set back 53 to 55 feet from the nearest portion of the travelled roadway. Although them are no projected needs for upgrading any county roads within the City to four lanes within the next 20 years, if such an upgrade were necessary, the additional travel lane would reduce the above setbacks by at least another 12 feet and, in instances where multiple turn lanes are required, by 24 to 36 feet. Reducing the setback to 85 feet could result in an improved property to be acquired and razed. Even in cases where a structure may not need to be razed, a drastic reduction in the amount of buffer can substantially increase the acquisition cost of the land to be acquired. In deciding this issue, the Planning and Zoning Commission may wish to consider what is an appropriate buffer distance for a residence from the noise and air emissions associated with roadways carrying between 5,000 and 8,000 vehicles per day. The Commission may also want to consider how much of a separation between power poles and residences is appropriate. Recommendation: Refer this issue for consideration in the preparation of the Transportation Plan update. Commission Action: Based upon discussion. Reviewed by: City Administrator City Engineer Zoning Administrator PZ:09/07/93 21