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He referred to the agenda and the options listed. He stated he did not want to suggest any specific <br />language, in order to engage the Board in discussion. <br />Board Member Valentine posed the question at what point does a builder and potential homeowner <br />discover what is on the lot. He added that a designated wetland doesn't always look like a wetland. <br />When the homeowners come in for a building permit, they most likely have already situated a <br />house on property and they may not know about wetlands. <br />City Planner Anderson responded oftentimes a surveyor is in touch with the City, as they are <br />seeking out plat and grading plans. He said many times, the survey is just the boundary of drainage <br />of utilities. It should indicate wetland as well, but it isn't always the case. That information is <br />gathered as part of the Certificate of Survey. That comes in as part of the building permit <br />application for construction of a new home. He stated most of the time, it is the builder that comes <br />in for the building permit, not the homeowner. <br />Board Member Lewis stated some of this discussion is occurring too far downstream. These are <br />issues that need to be way further upstream. If a buyer is unaware of what the potential issues are <br />with the lot, the problem lies with the City or the Surveyor. He said this awareness should be <br />available much earlier in the process. <br />City Planner Anderson stated the builder should know what the land is designed for, and he should <br />know the minimum setbacks. This information should be obtained before the time of building. <br />That is why this issue has come up for the agenda. In the case mentioned earlier, the builder may <br />have known, but the homeowner was not aware. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill explained the City is trying to create buildable areas <br />when land is subdivided. The City is trying to establish that some of the policies will become <br />effective on a certain date. He agreed the communication issue should be handled further <br />upstream. <br />Board Member Bentz noted he has known residents that have built outbuildings and then have <br />issues with rain. He explained his mother was a realtor and she made a point to tell people about <br />swamps and wetlands. He asked if this should be part of the consideration as well. <br />City Planner Anderson pointed out a building should be 20 feet from the perimeter of the <br />drainfield. This is one of the reasons Ramsey has a 2.5 acre lot size in the rural developing district. <br />There must be room for a septic system, as well as room for an alternate site, should the first one <br />fail. <br />Board Member Bentz stated he was not sure residents are aware of that requirement. Many times, <br />it is unclear where the drainfield is until there is a big event. <br />City Planner Anderson explained zoning permits and how they can help. The permits must provide <br />a site plan, and must show setbacks. He acknowledged the City could do better at educating the <br />public. This may help to reduce these issues. <br />Board Member Lewis asked if City Planner Anderson could foresee variances issued on the two <br />options listed in the packet. <br />Environmental Policy Board / August 17, 2015 <br />Page 6 of 11 <br />