Agenda - Council - 07/23/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Kinghorn COMPANY GENERAL CONTRACTORS As noted above, the granting of the variance will actually increase protection of the of public health, safety, and general welfare because it will provide a more gradual entrance to the site from Bunker Lake Blvd which is needed for worker and driver safety and is associated with the unusual topography of the property. 4. If granted, the variance will not in any way increase the danger of fire or endanger the public safety and may actually increase safety as described above. 5. The variance will not have any effect on property values and will not unreasonably diminish or impair established property values within the neighborhood, or in any way be contrary to the intent of this chapter. 6. Finally, the granting of the variance will not in any way change the zoning or planned land use for the parcel and as such will not violate the intent and purpose of the comprehensive plan. Additionally, to address some of the challenges identified at the Planning Commission meeting, we have met and obtained approval for the variance from both Kevin & Mary Groothousen, the neighbors who own the residential parcel adjacent to the West of the Applicant's property. They have approved the buffer yard plantings as shown on the plan included in the packet sent to the Planning Commission and support the variance. Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 462.357, Subd. 6, The Ramsey Council should grant this variance request because of the practical difficulties suffered by the landowner because of the unique nature of this property related to its irregular shape and topography. The subject request meets the three factor test for reasonableness, uniqueness and lack of negative impact on the essential character of the neighborhood as described in the original materials included in the Agenda Packet provided to the Planning Commission which the Applicant requests be included in the public record for this appeal. The variance request in this case is not a use variance and therefore the use proposed by the Applicant is no different than the use allowed by the current zoning controls making the request reasonable. As stated herein above and in other areas, the unique physical characteristics of the property shape, grade and need to preserve trees, not created by the owner, also support the granting of the variance. Finally, the granting of the variance will not impact the essential character of the neighborhood. Neither the building nor the driveway will be out of scale, out of place, or otherwise inconsistent with the surrounding area. The Council should grant the appeal and approve the setback variance from 60' to 40' for the reasons stated above. The Applicant will have several representatives at the City Council meeting on July 23, 2019 to address any questions or comments directly in support of this request. Sincerely, John Kinghorn VP Operations, Kinghorn Construction 21830 Industrial Court Rogers, MN 55374 P: 763-428-8088 F: 428-8090