Agenda - Planning Commission - 11/21/2024

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City Planner Anderson stated that to the west there looks to be a very similar layout with lots that have direct access onto CR 64, and to the east there is another similar scenario. He stated that he does understand the safety concerns but as proposed this would fit with what exists in the area. Commissioner Anderson commented that the Commission has been working hard to put safety first and minimize the chance of accidents on the busy roads when considering new developments. He recognized that the lots to the east and west exist and have been there, but they should also focus on safety. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that he pulled up old numbers from the Highway Department and that stretch of road has about 3,400 daily vehicles whereas Armstrong has 6,000. He commented that it is not the busiest of the County roads in Ramsey. He noted that the horrible corner on CR 5 has a count of 9,000. Commissioner Peters asked if the property is also for sale on the Nowthen side of the road. It was confirmed that property has been sold. He noted that there could then be more houses going in. He stated that he traverses that road daily and you take caution during the winter months. He stated that in the future there would most likely be action by the County to improve the road and perhaps add turn lanes. Chairperson Gengler invited the developer to address the Commission. Eric Lewth, Landform, stated that he was present in representation of the applicants. Commissioner Anderson asked how open the applicant is to working to develop an alternative to 13 driveways. Mr. Lewth stated that the MnDOT access management manual recommends a minimum spacing of 100 feet between driveways on a 55 mile per hour road. He stated that they are proposing an average of 200 feet between driveways which is double that recommendation. He stated that they are happy to entertain other suggestions but would like to submit a compliant application without variances. He stated that minimum lot frontage of 200 feet for rural properties is based off the MnDOT recommendation that has not changed for the last 50 years. Commissioner Hunt referenced the ideas of shifting five or ten feet on the lot line to accommodate the driveway and asked the thoughts of the applicant. Mr. Lewth noted a no disturb buffer from the watershed. City Planner Anderson replied that the Lower Rum River Water Management Organization (LRRWMO) requires that the member cities require a 16.5-foot wetland setback. Mr. Lewth confirmed that they could look at shifting a bit, but it would be difficult to avoid 100 percent of the buffer. He stated that if there is a five-foot setback for a driveway, they could move that and it would impact the buffer and not the wetland itself, but also acknowledged the potential that the setback could be reduced to zero per the previous discussion. Planning Commission/ October 24, 2024 Page 10 of 15