Agenda - Council - 09/13/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CC Regular Session Meeting Date: 09/13/2016 By: Tim Gladhill, Community Development 7. 1. Information Title: Receive Update of Pearson Bowers Drive Concept (Project No. 16-31a) Purpose/Background: The intent of this case is to provide a new update since this case was last reviewed on July 21, 2016. The Minnesota DNR has completed the Public Hearing and Administrative Law Review of the draft rules. The Administrative Law Judge has recommended approval of the rules, with the exception of provisions related to Native Plant Communities. Additionally, Staff has received additional feedback from DNR Staff on potential process related to this particular development scenario. As the Planning Commission is aware, Pearson Properties of Ramsey, LLC, is considering a detached single-family development along Bowers Drive. Notification: Notification is not required at this stage. However, two (2) public workshops have been held on the topic. Observations/Alternatives: The project entails the creation of one (1) acre lots on private well and septic. Generally speaking, there are two (2) main policy discussion points Staff is seeking direction on. Please note that there are several layers of complexity to this request that will need to be solved as the development concept moves through the review process. Staff is focusing on two (2) primary issues at this stage. If policy direction is in the negative on either of the two (2) points below, the development concept is not feasible and the project does not move forward. 1. Lot Size as required by Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) 2. Private Well and Septic in Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) Lot Size The driving factor for lot size is MRCCA. Current, the minimum lot size for the project is 2.5 acres. The proposed lot size is one (1) acre. However, as the Council is aware, the DNR is in the process of updating the Overlay District. Based on the current draft, minimum lot size to this parcel would defer to the underlying zoning district. In this case, the minimum lot size would be 10,800 square feet (0.25 acres), rendering the lot size question a moot point. The Administrative Law Judge has recommended approval of these rules, with the exception of rules pertaining to Native Plant Species. It is unknown next steps or timelines for the rule implementation at this time. Given the objection to Native Plan Species definition, it is unknown at this time whether this will cause a significant delay to implementation. The Minnesota DNR has recommended that the City submit the development concept for official review as a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for further consideration by the DNR. The DNR may consider an allowance to cluster lots, if certain areas are permanently protected as open space. This is a change in policy direction from the previous Planning Commission review. Underlying Zoning District The site is located in the R-1 Residential (MUSA) District. The intent of this district is to provide for future