Agenda - Planning Commission - 11/21/2024

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Commissioner VanScoy used the scenario that two property owners both chose to place their driveways at the lot line and asked how vehicles just a few inches apart would open their doors. He stated that people also say they move to Ramsey because of the rural character and open space and therefore questions this concept. Commissioner Hunt asked how this would compare to other cities in the county, as his quick search showed three to five feet. Planning Manager Larson replied that typically the driveway setback is five to ten feet, and Coon Rapids allows zero. He stated that the bigger, inner city metro area tends to have less noting Richfield at zero, and the more suburban communities tend to use five feet. Commissioner VanScoy asked the typical lot width for a zero -driveway setback. Planning Manager Larson replied that some of the older Coon Rapids lots are 50 feet wide. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that when he lived in Richfield his lot was 60 feet wide and a shared driveway with the neighbor. Citizen Input Frank Antinozzi, 7041 147th Avenue NW, stated that he would be fine with a zero setback for driveways as vehicles are parked next to each other when there are shared driveways. He stated that not everyone parks in their driveway and the additional driveway space could be used for maneuvering a trailer and not necessarily parking. Commissioner Peters stated that in his neighborhood there was a house fire that jumped to a truck which then exploded and therefore if there was another vehicle right next to that, it could have easily jumped to the next vehicle. He stated that for that reason he would not support a zero setback for the driveway, but could support a reduction. Chairperson Gengler asked if the fire department had input on this change. Planning Manager Larson replied that fire did not have an interest one way or the other. Mr. Antinozzi commented that fences can be installed along the property line and that would be more flammable than a vehicle. He stated that if you drive around Ramsey there are a lot of driveways to the property line, whether they received the proper approval or not. He stated that he has also seen it in other communities. Commissioner Van Scoy stated that the only location in Ramsey where he has seen driveways to the property line is where the neighborhood is under a PUD with shared driveways. Motion by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner VanScoy, to close the public hearing. Planning Commission/ October 24, 2024 Page 7 of 15