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Presentation <br /> <br />Community Development Director Frolik stated that Mr. A1 Kempf resides at 15220 St. Francis <br />Boulevard NW, Ramsey. As part of the T.H. #47 improvement project, Mr. Kempf lost several <br />mature trees that were located between the front of his home and the highway. Mr. Kempf has <br />stated that those trees acted as a noise and visual buffer from the traffic. Mr. Kempf approached <br />City staff regarding constructing a six-foot privacy fence across the front of his property to <br />replace the buffering effect previously provided by the trees. Mr. Kempfwas informed that front <br />yard fences are restricted to decorative fences not exceeding four feet in height. On September 7, <br />2000, the City received an application from A1 Kempf for a conditional use permit to exceed the <br />four-foot front yard fence height restriction. One concern with front yard fences is that they do <br />obstruct visibility of the house numbers from the public road, especially in emergency situations. <br />On a site visit, it became apparent that Mr. Kempf is proposing to located the fence <br />approximately two to three feet into the highway right-of-way. If the fence were placed on the <br />front property line, it is highly likely that some of the trees that did survive the highway <br />improvements would be damaged. Staff consulted with Mr. Keith VanWagner in the MnDOT <br />Permits Division. He indicated that Mr. Kempf would need a permit from MnDOT in order to <br />locate the fence as proposed, but it is highly unlikely that such a permit would be granted. Mr. <br />VanWagner stated that as an alternative, MnDOT may consider allowing the establishment of <br />some additional vegetation in the highway right-of-way. City staff recommended approval of the <br />request for a six-foot high fence, but only for one that is located entirely on the subject property. <br />Evidence of a permit from MnDOT will be required for a fence that encroaches the highway <br />right-of-way. <br /> <br />Citizen Input <br /> <br />Al Kempf, 15220 St. Francis Boulevard NW, Ramsey, stated that he is the only person along <br />T.H. #47 with the legal lot description that goes out into the middle of the highway. He <br />explained that with the expansion of T.H. #47 he loSt lawn area, a fence, eight mature trees which <br />provided privacy and a sound barrier. During the condemnation process the City agreed to save <br />five large blue spruce trees on the property, but many of the roots were left exposed for some <br />time. The curbing is now five feet closer than the original location of his fence and noted that he <br />was also promised a grass yard which he has yet to see. <br /> <br />Commissioner Reeve inquired if Mr. Kempf would be willing to locate the fence out of the right- <br />of-way. <br /> <br />Mr. Kempf replied yes, but explained that by placing the fence in that location he will damage <br />the roots on the blue spruce trees and it has been the City's contention all along that they did not <br />want to pay for those trees. <br /> <br />Vice-Chairperson Kociscak stated that he would not be opposed to having the fence out as far as <br />he can, but if MnDOT is not willing to approve a permit, then the City does not have much of a <br />choice regarding the location. <br /> <br />Planning Commission/October 3, 2000 <br /> Page 5 of 16 <br /> <br /> <br />