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Fire Chief Kapler stated this is a beautiful property, and the planning of the future roads has been prudent. However, he and the Police Chief have concerns from a public safety standpoint regarding the single access. Board Member Trites Rolle inquired if there would still be a public safety concern regarding the single access even with a standard length cul-de-sac and no need for a variance. Fire Chief Kapler replied it is not practical to plan a city without any cul-de-sacs. Some time ago 600 feet was chosen as a cul-de-sac length. At that time Ramsey was a rural city, but they are now discussing urban density. Chairperson Nixt commented a 600 foot cul-de-sac makes much more sense from a safety standpoint for a rural neighborhood than for urban development with more housing and the homes crowded closer together. It might be appropriate as the City reviews code amendments in the future to consider cul-de-sac lengths in relation to urban and rural development. The 600 foot cul-de-sac length is a theoretical maximum because of the history of the City as rural, not urban. This parcel is being developed at urban standards, which is another overlay on top of the additional 500 feet that is being requested. This equates to this actually being almost a double overage on the cul-de-sac length that is exasperated by the urban standards of development. Board Member Hunt inquired if there is a measurable difference in the safety factor between the 600 foot cul-de-sac requirement and the 1,000 foot proposed cul-de-sac. Fire Chief Kapler replied the 600 feet is somewhat arbitrary. Board Member Hunt commented there is a subdivision where he works that sits one mile off the highway with a single access to 100 lots, with 35 houses currently built in the subdivision. The access does not seem to be an issue or worry, and there will likely never be more than one access to this subdivision. In the seven years he has been there it has never been considered a safety issue. He stated he likes this subdivision that is before them. Fire Chief Kapler stated there are many single access areas in Ramsey that need to be eliminated. From staffs standpoint they should not be increased, which would be a step backward from a public safety standpoint. Since 1998, three storms have come through this area, and two met the thresholds of federally declared disasters. Plans should be developed to eliminate the single accesses, and it is prudent to have these discussions at the planning stage. Board Member Brauer noted the issue of the need for a double access is just as important as the cul-de-sac length. Board Member Levine commented the other issue is the difficulty bringing in fire equipment and maneuvering the equipment. Board Member Cleveland stressed that the City needs to address the matter of public safety in this area, as these variance requests will keep coming into the City. She noted the need to review the code concerning access. The City should be forward thinking. Board of Adjustment/May 4, 2006 Page 6 of8