Resolution - #97-10-299 - 10/21/1997

Home

o 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. That the 35 foot height restriction in the B-3 Highway Business District is based on the reach capabilities of fire suppression equipment in the City's fire department. That the intent of the 35 foot height restriction in the Critical and Wild and Scenic Overlay Districts is to protect the natural view from the river. That the Subject Property is located approximately 400 feet from the Mississippi river and is not visible from the river. That the Applicant has stated that visibility of the proposed motel is obstructed from view on the river and from the opposite bank of the river by homes and existing tree cover. That the Fire Chief has stated that the actual occupied portions of the building are within the 35 foot reach capabilities of existing fire suppression equipment. That only variances to height restrictions on accessory structures in the single family residential districts have been granted in the past. That there are unique circumstances applying to the subject proposal, namely: a) a 3- story motel is not an unusual or unique proposal; b) the occupied portion of the building is within the 35 foot height restriction; and c) unoccupied portions of the structure, namely parapet walls, comprise the encroachment into the restricted height area. That the special conditions causing the undue hardship, restrictions based on fire suppression reach capabilities and inclusion of a parcel of land not visible from the Mississippi River in the Critical River Overlay District, do not result from the actions of the Applicant. That if denied, the Applicant will be deprived of constructing a 35 foot high building that would have otherwise been permitted if it did not include architectural enhancements such as parapet walls. That if granted, the variance will not grant the Applicant any special privilege that is denied to other owners of lands, structures or buildings in the same district. That if granted, the variance will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property. That if granted, the variance will not be materially detrimental to the purposes of the Ramsey Zoning Chapter or other property in the B-3 Highway Business District. That if granted, the variance will not substantially increase the congestion of public streets, or increase the danger of fire, or endanger the public safety, or substantially impair property values within the neighborhood. RESOLUTION #97-10-299 Page 2 of 3