Agenda - Council - 02/08/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Case #3 Request for a Variance from Maximum Front Yard Setback Requirement in the TC-1 Zoning District; Case of:City of Ramsey Community Development Director Trudgeon advised that the City of Ramsey is considering the construction of the Ramsey Municipal Center that would house a new City Hall and Police Station. He stated the proposed Ramsey Municipal Center is located in the TC-1 Zoning District which requires at least 60% of thc building-frontage be located within five feet of the property line. He indicated the City is requesting a variance to allow for approximately 33% of the building frontage to be located within five feet of the property line. He noted that 60% of the front fagade is located within 18 feet of the property line. Community Development Director Trudgeon explained that City Staff believes there are several factors that may mitigate the effect of the larger setback that should be considered by the Board of Adjustment. He stated one is the creation of the public plaza at the front entrance along Sunwood Drive. He noted that these types of spaces are encouraged as part of the Town Center Development Guidelines; He indicated the second factor regards the placement of the building. He advised the building has a length of over 300 feet along Sunwood Drive, and in order to make the building architecturally interesting, the Municipal Center will be curved and not have a long flat, monolithic wall along Sunwood Drive. He stated that in addition, where the building is pulled back on Sunwood Drive, raised landscaped areas will be brought up to the lot line that will to some extent feel like an extension of the building. He added that the Town Center Technical Advisory Committee (TCTAC) has reviewed the layout of the building and is supportive of a variance to allow for the building to be pulled back as shown. He stated that group believes that pull-back of the buildings provides for some visual relief while still engaging the pedestrian and the design works well for the use of the building. Community Development Director Trudgeon advised that the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed preliminary site plan on December 2, 2004 and recommended approval of the preliminary site plan subject to the conditions contained in the City Staff Review Letter and the City receiving a variance to the setback requirements. He indicated the City Council reviewed and approved the preliminary site plan for the Ramsey Municipal Center on December 14, 2004 subject to the conditions in the City Staff Review Letter and the City receiving a variance. Community Development Director Trudgeon stated that Staff is recommending approval. Public Input Chairperson Nixt opened the meeting to the public at 7:15 p.m. There was no citizen input. Motion by Chairperson Nixt, seconded by Board Member Johnson to close the public meeting at 7:15 p.m. Board of Adjustment/January 6, 2005 Page 4 of 6