Agenda - Planning Commission - 04/02/2020

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for at least 30+ years, appears to be to provide a full sized turn around (cul-de-sac) for vehicles west of this property. Staff has spoken to Police, Fire, and Public Works, and while there is no current plan to extend the road throughout the easement, they would like a full sized turn around in this area. This could be west or east of the Subject Property. Public safety had no objections to this variance since the building is outside of the easement. Home Occupation For full transparency, Staff notes that a home -based business (landscaping company) exists on the Subject Property. This business came to Staffs attention through an ordinance complaint. Staff did work with the Owners to comply with applicable regulations. By approving this current request for a detached garage, the Owners must still comply with previous direction and applicable regulations. If the Owners use items classified for personal use for business use, the Subject Property would be out of compliance unless a new Home Occupation Permit were approved by the City. Variance Considerations When considering granting a variance, statute states that the Planning Commission should consider the following three questions, which is the three -pronged test to decide if there is a practical difficulty onsite: • Is the request reasonable? Accessory buildings are an allowed use in the residential district, and are common throughout the City of Ramsey. This building is an allowable size under current City ordinances. • Is the situation unique? Staff does feel that the situation is unique. The variance is needed because of the permanent road easement along the south side of the property, which would function as a front yard if the road was extended. The front yard setback of 30 feet technically should be applied on the east and south lot lines. • Would the request alter the essential character of the neighborhood? Staff does not feel that the request would alter the character of the neighborhood. Pole barns and detached structures are a common feature throughout Ramsey, and in this neighborhood. The Subject Property already has a detached structure the same distance from the southern lot line as the proposed building, so it would not be any closer to the road easement than an existing building. Additionally, the property owner is at the end of a road (functioning somewhat as a cul-de-sac), so the building will likely only be seen from one property owner. Staff will provide information if the property owner directly south of the property provides feedback on the request. Based on the three factor test above, Staff does feel that the request meets the requirements to pass a variance. Please see the attached Variance Guide for Cities from the League of Minnesota Cities. City Code Sections • 117-349 (Accessory Uses and Buildings) • 117- 111 (R-1 Residential District). Alternatives Alternative 1: Deny the variance request. Staff does feel the variance request is reasonable, unique, and meets the criteria for a variance. Alternative 2: Approve the variance request. Funding Source: The Applicant is responsible for all costs associated with this project and review. Recommendation: Staff recommends Planning Commission adopt Resolution #20-060 approving a Variance for a detached garage at 5805 148th Ln NW. Action: Motion to adopt Resolution #20-060 granting a variance to setbacks for a detached garage at 5805 148th Lane NW.