Agenda - Planning Commission - 04/07/2016

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Regular Planning Commission 5. 5. Meeting Date: 04/07/2016 By: Chris Anderson, Community Development Information Title: PUBLIC HEARING: Consider Amendments to Wetland Protection Overlay District to Establish Wetland and Storm Water Pond Setbacks and Establish a Minimum Lot Depth for Newly Created Residential Lots (Project No. 16-39) Purpose/Background: The purpose of this Ordinance is twofold. First, it is to bring the City into compliance with the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization's (LRRWMO) 3rd Generation Plan by implementing a wetland setback. The second purpose of the Ordinance is to address feedback from residents over the past couple years regarding remaining buildable area on some parcels after wetlands and floodway have been factored out. The Ordinance establishes a minimum lot depth for all newly created residential lots in an attempt to provide a reasonable rear yard to accommodate common homeowner improvements such as decks and sheds. Notification: A notice of public hearing was published in the Anoka Union Herald, the City's official newspaper, in accordance with state statutes. Observations/Alternatives: Wetland/Stormwater Pond Setback Ramsey is a member city of the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization (LRRWMO) and thus, is subject to the standards and provisions of the LRRWMO's 3rd Generation Plan. The 3rd Generation Plan outlines measures that must be implemented by member cities (Ramsey, Andover and Anoka) that, among other things, protect wetlands throughout the development process. One such standard is a required setback of one (1) rod (the equivalent of 16.5 feet) from all delineated wetlands and storm water ponds. The vegetation within this required setback must be left undisturbed throughout the development, building, and landscaping phases of a project. Per LRRWMO standards, the draft Ordinance establishes a setback of sixteen and a half feet (16.5') from the delineated boundary of wetlands and stormwater ponds. Furthermore, the draft Ordinance also outlines activities prohibited within the setback area, as outlined in the 3rd Generation Plan, including the following: • Structures, except for approved fences. • Paving, except projects with a public purpose such as public trails. • Retaining walls. • Filling, dumping, or yard waste disposal. • Fertilization. • Septic systems. Finally, the draft Ordinance identifies acceptable protection standards (silt fencing) and outlines information required as part of plan submittal. Lot Depth Standard Over the past several years, the City has received feedback from residents concerning the remaining available buildable area on certain parcels once wetland and floodplain areas are factored out. This concern typically arises