Minutes - Planning Commission - 07/25/2024

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Mr. Forster stated that was a concern that he had as well. He stated that if drywall is used there is waterproof barrier that could be added, as he also did not believe that drywall alone would hold up. Chairperson Gengler asked if the wall sits directly on the concrete slab or whether there would be space between. Mr. Forster replied that there is a space. He confirmed that the slab is six inches from the property line and the cedar is at the edge of the slab and therefore the same distance from the property line. Brian Nagel, 6940 148th Lane, commented that he is the neighbor to the east. He recognized that there is a due process that should be followed but there are a lot of people that park things next to their homes in Ramsey. He commented that this is a nice structure, along with the other structure constructed by another neighbor to house those things. He appreciated that the residents are investing in their properties to contain some of those things. He agreed that fire is scary but noted that there are many examples in Ramsey where things are constructed even closer to one another. He believed that there would be other ways to combat and find a balance to allow this structure on the street. Commissioner Bauer asked the Building Official to respond to the comments from the applicant. Building Official Schreder stated that recommendations and referrals are not something they can typically do, but he did speak with the applicant about ways to encapsulate the interior walls. He stated that the Building Code requires five feet of separation between unprotected elements and anything within that setback would need to meet a one -hour fire resistance of construction. He stated that something like this would need to have fire resistant sheet rock. He stated that typically zero lot line setbacks are reserved for commercial or multi -family residential and not single-family. He stated that this could possible meet Building Code, but the steps necessary are not well defined in the Building Code because that five foot setback is violated. Commissioner Anderson asked if there is a utility easement between the homes. Planning Manager Larson confirmed that there is a utility easement and therefore if the variance were approved, the Council would also need to approve a utility easement encroachment agreement. He stated that through the Zoning Code update, a few exemptions were added such as driveways. He stated that if it were just the slab, an encroachment agreement would not be necessary. Commissioner Anderson asked how much of the slab would need to be cut to meet the five-foot setback. Mr. Forster replied that would be five feet. Commissioner Anderson asked how much room would be left if five feet were removed. Planning Commission/ July 25, 2024 Page 8 of 20