Minutes - Planning Commission - 08/26/2021

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Commissioner Walker stated that all of the residents stated that they did not want smaller lots, but the Commission voted to allow the smaller lots to remain when it made its recommendation to the Council. He stated that the City Council was the voice that did not allow that change. Chairperson Bauer acknowledged that the Commission supported allowing smaller lots on the interior of the plat with 80 foot lots on the exterior. He noted that the current proposal meets the zoning and bulk zoning regulations. Commissioner VanScoy asked the consequences of denying a request that meets bulk standards and fall into the existing zoning. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl stated that she is not an attorney, but if an application meets all the bulk standards, the Commission would be obligated to approve the request. She stated that if the request is not approved, the City would open itself up to liability. Commissioner VanScoy stated that the preliminary plat is based on the existing standards for this zoning area, which has been in place for well over ten years. He commented that he understands the concern about development next door to an area where residents have lived for many years. He stated that the statement within the Comprehensive Plan is an attempt to balance the rural character of the community with urban growth. He did not believe the Commission has an option to deny the request at this time. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl commented that conditions of approval could be added, if desired. Commissioner Walker stated that if Ramsey keeps having urban growth in the rural part of Ramsey, there will no longer be a rural part of Ramsey. He stated that the City continues to shove urban developments into existing rural areas. Commissioner VanScoy commented that when he was young, he lived on a farm in Coon Rapids. He stated that the urban sprawl continues to expand, and the City can attempt to control that the best it can. Commissioner Walker stated that before he moved to Ramsey two years ago, he selected his home because of the statement in the Comprehensive Plan. He stated that if this development continues to happen in the rural areas, that statement is pointless. Commissioner VanScoy commented that this decision on the zoning happened over a decade ago. He stated that if Commissioner Walker wishes to make those types of decisions, he should become a part of the development of the Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Walker noted that the Beatermans have lived in Ramsey since 1978 and asked if they were invited to be a part of the Comprehensive Plan and rezoning of the property. Chairperson Bauer commented that the Comprehensive Plan identifies properties as urban and rural. He stated that this area is identified as R-1, while other areas are proposed to remain rural. Planning Commission/ August 26, 2021 Page 17 of 26