Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 06/20/2016

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5. POLICY BOARD BUSINESS 5.01: Consider a Request for a Variance from the Ordinary High Water(OHW)Line Setback at the Property Located at 14391 Neon St NW (Project#16-88); Case of Greg Binfet City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He explained the OHW is the point where the plants turn from being aquatic to being terrestrial, according to the state guidelines. Board Member Lewis asked what the elevation change is from the high water mark to the building. City Planner Anderson responded the range within the property is from 859 to 870. The high elevation is 861.1 at the highest and 858.9 feet at the lowest. This structure would be 8/10 of a foot higher than the ordinary high water mark. When the applicant first approached staff about adding this structure, it was proposed that the structure would be built in an area closer to the property line. This would make the new structure closer to the front property line than the house but further back from the ordinary high water mark. Board Member Lewis clarified the existing structure on the property is the house. He asked about adding a second driveway as mentioned in the report. City Planner Anderson explained per the zoning district, there is only one driveway allowed on the property. However, this rule pertains to driveways off public roads. This is a private road. The second driveway is under discussion. He said staff is working at getting confirmation from the applicant of whether he is including a driveway in his request. He added that staff has a meeting with the applicant tomorrow which will be on-site. He indicated the Public Works Department and the Engineering staff noted concerns with the proximity to the OHW and potential drainage issues. From their perspectives, they are not favorable of this request in its current location. Board Member Valentine commented it would make more sense to have another driveway if the building was closer to the road. City Planner Anderson noted it could make sense to add it to the variance document if the structure were closer to the road. The property is under two acres in size. Ramsey's zoning states the detached structures cannot be closer to the road than the house. The discussions with the applicant last fall were based on requesting a variance to have the structure closer to the front line of the property. The applicant has worked with the Anoka Conservation District as well. The applicant amended the location in an attempt to minimize tree loss. He noted there is a grade difference coming down from the side of the home toward the water. The steeper slope is going to make it more challenging to get a garage up closer to the home. The grade is flatter where it is currently proposed, but then the OHW is an issue. Board Member Valentine questioned if there have been flooding issues on this plat. City Planner Anderson answered there have not been, to his knowledge, nor is it in a flood plain. Environmental Policy Board/May 16, 2016 Page 2 of 5