Agenda - Planning Commission - 09/03/2020

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• The City of Ramsey does not allow parking on the grass anywhere in the City, and it is one of the most common Code Enforcement complaints Staff receives. • Staff notes that there may be an opportunity for shared parking with the church directly to the west, who likely doesn't have events at the same time as Blue Cottage Farms. Staff recommends the Applicant reach out to the church to see if they would allow them to utilize their lots on Friday nights and Saturdays (most common wedding day). • Fire/Public Safety: The Property Owners have sat down with Planning/Zoning and the Fire Marshal to discuss the improvements that would be required onsite. There will be requirements related to sprinkling the building and a full inspection will be required onsite if the use is approved by the City Council. Additionally, a new Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for the bam space, updates to the building required by ADA, and an inspection by the Building Official will be required. It is likely that building permits and updates will be required. • Bathrooms: The site is zoned for well and septic, and has a private well and septic onsite. Septic systems are sized based on the household size, so the septic system onsite cannot support events. Instead, the Applicant has proposed to bring in portable toilets (port-o-potties) for events. If approved, Staff would like a condition related to how long the toilets can stay onsite, a maximum number of toilets, and where they can be located onsite in relation to the neighboring property owners. Ordinance Amendment (Amending Section 117-111) The attached ordinance amendment is written to allow event centers as a conditional use in the R-1 District. Conditional uses are a use that, if certain conditions are met, such as traffic, parking, architecture, site layout and setbacks, hours of operation, etc. the permit must be issued to the Applicant. The Planning Commission typically sees Conditional Use Permits for churches/religious institutions, auto repair shops, and over -sizing of structures. Permits for event centers on residential properties would be handled in a similar manner. Currently, weddings on residential properties are handled by Public Safety and the Planning Department. The Applicant must notify the City of the proposal, agree to end music by 10 pm, ensure any vendor (e.g. foodtruck) gets the proper permits, and notify their neighbors of the event. The City has a Special Temporary Event Permit for these types of events available at: http://www.ci.ramsey.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/666/Special-Temporary-Event-Permit-PDF?bidld= Staff does not process many of these permits typically, though with Covid-19, the number of these requests has increased. This process was the starting point for the ordinance amendment, which includes: • Maximum of 26 events per year (Jan 1 - Dec 31) • Site plan reviewed and approved by City • Event space set back a minimum of 100 feet from any property line • Acreage of ten (10) acres or greater • Owner must reside on Property If the Zoning Text Amendment is approved, Staff would create a handout specifically for these types of uses with recommendation from Staff in terms of hours of operation, days of operation, site layouts, required permits (e.g. building, septic, a new C.O., etc.) Resident Comment City Staff received one formal written comment in relation to this request, and it is attached. The resident is opposed to the request stating that a late night venue would change the character and quality of the neighborhood. They are also concerned about traffic. Please review the attached comment. Other Cities • Andover: Not allowed • Anoka: Not allowed • Shakopee: Not allowed • Elk River: Not allowed Staff will be reaching out to additional cities and will provide a verbal update on additional cities' ordinances at the meeting.