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CONSIDER ORDINANCE TO REDUCE <br />THOROUGHFARE SETBACKS <br />By: Steven J. Jankowski, City Engineer <br /> <br />CASE # 1 <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />At the October Planning and Zoning meeting, a case had been prepared addressing the suggestion <br />by Commissioner Deemer that the setback distance for structures from the centerline of arterial <br />streets be reduced from 110 feet to 83 feet. In conjunction with preparing that case, Staff had <br />requested the County Highway Department to comment on the proposed reduction. As you will <br />recall, the County's response came in the form of a letter from Assistant County Engineer Jane <br />Pemble and received the date of the meeting. A copy of Ms. Pemble's letter is attached. As you <br />can see, the County is also considering a reduction in setbacks, however, not to the degree <br />suggested by Commissioner Deemer. You will also note that the proposed policy draft which was <br />prepared by Ms. Pemble was dated only a day before the date of our October meeting, indicating <br />that this issue is under very current consideration. <br /> <br />In discussing this topic further with Ms. Pemble, she indicated that the timetable dealing with this <br />new policy is that it was initiated at the County Public Works Committee in October and is <br />anticipated to be completed at their November or December meeting. It is further anticipated that <br />the f'mal policy will contain financial responsibilities for land acquisition for agencies which do not <br />comply with the final recommended guidelines. <br /> <br />I am attaching copies of the draft policy data which is currently being considered by the County at <br />tiffs time. <br /> <br />Recommendation: <br /> <br />Property acquisition for highway projects is a significant cost element and, consequently, a change <br />in the City's policy may cause serious financial obligations. Therefore, it is my recommendation <br />that the Planning and Zoning Commission take no action on amending the arterial thoroughfare <br />setback ordinance until the County finalizes their amended policy. <br /> <br />For your information, the following items are attached: <br /> <br />a) <br />b) <br /> <br />Anoka County Highway Department letter of October 5, 1993. <br />Anoka County Draft Policy on Right-of-Way and Setback Requirements, dated <br />October 4, 1993. <br /> <br />Reviewed by: <br /> <br />City Administrator <br />City Engineer <br />Zoning Administrator <br /> <br />P&Z: 11/04/93 <br /> <br /> <br />