Agenda - Planning Commission - 05/22/2025

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of the Zoning Code. Practical difficulties, as used in connection with the granting of a Variance, is defined in Section 106-220(c) of Ramsey City Code. The Applicant submitted a written description of the Variance request, providing the following justification of practical difficulty: the building cannot be placed on the west (back) side of the house because of the septic tank and drainfield. The Applicant has provided an as -built survey, prepared by Kaleb Kadelbach of Apex Land Surveying, that shows the location of the house, driveway, existing shed on the north side of the house (to be removed), septic tank, drainfield, well, and the proposed detached garage. Based on the location and layout of the septic tank and drainfield, the proposed detached garage could not be placed fully behind the front (south) edge of the house and attached garage, thus proving the need for a Variance. Additionally, if the detached garage were to be shifted farther west, it would require the Applicant to increase the size and length of the driveway. The Applicant has a gravel loop adjacent to a paved driveway to allow for backing his boat into a dedicated parking spot. The boat would be stored inside the detached garage, along with other vehicles and personal items of the Applicant, and the existing driveway layout would allow the Applicant to continue the same traffic pattern for hauling his boat. The proposed location will maintain a minimum of 10 feet separation from the house and attached garage to limit any code requirements for fire separation. The proposed location also maintains a 21-foot setback from the edge of the septic tank, which exceeds the required minimum 10-foot setback. To mitigate potential impacts to the neighborhood, Staff has worked with the Applicant to shift the detached garage farther back from the front property line than what was originally proposed. Additionally, the Applicant has agreed to use similar building materials (dark brown lap siding) on the detached garage to match the house; this is a code requirement for properties exceeding 2 acres in size that build detached accessory structures in front of the house. With all of the above information, Staff find the practical difficulties listed to satisfy the following items within the definition of practical difficulties, as defined by City Code: 1. That the property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning code; 2. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner; 3. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. 4. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties. Alternatives 1. Approve the Variance to the front yard setback for the accessory structure. Based on the unique layout of the house, septic system, and drainfield on the Subject Property, the Variance seems reasonable. Staff supports this alternative. 2. Approve the Variance with any reasonable conditions that mitigate any perceived impacts of the Variance to the neighborhood. 3. Deny the Variance. Without an approved Variance, and since there are no other suitable locations for the accessory structure without the homeowner incurring significantly higher costs to relocate the existing septic system and drainfield, the Applicant would not be able to build the accessory structure. The 10-foot front yard setback for the accessory structure does not impact any easement. Staff does not support this alternative. Funding Source: All costs associated with this request are the Applicant's responsibility. Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the Variance. Outcome/Action: