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<br />equipment and trailers. The size of the property, the rural character of the area, and its relatively <br />isolated location were also factors in the recommendation to approve the request. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec commented that Mr. Sigler has horses, and the only way anything could really <br />happen there is if someone were to purchase the whole property and subdivide. He noted the <br />building could almost act as buffer from the road. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen asked if there was an indication that there is a business operating on this <br />property. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Daines replied there were no complaints about a home occupation on the <br />property, and complaints are usually how staff responds to home occupancy businesses. It is a <br />temporary greenhouse on the property, not a permanent structure; it can be taken down and put <br />up seasonally. There are no sales from the existing house. They are growing plants there in bulk <br />and Mr. Sigler stated at the Planning Commission meeting that it is a business of his friend's <br />who sells to other businesses. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen questioned if the business is proper under code. <br /> <br />City Attorney Goodrich replied it is in a residential zone so it is not a permitted use. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Daines indicated at the Planning Commission meeting, Mr. Sigler said there <br />was wholesale activity going on, but no commercial activity, or employees or customers coming. <br />It may qualify for a home occupation permit, but that has not been brought up to staff. <br /> <br />City Attorney Goodrich advised this is an agricultural business, so it has some limitations on <br />City regulation. If a product is raised on someone's property it can be sold on their property <br />according to State Statute. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Daines indicated this is a request for an overage in accessory space. Staff s <br />concern is that a business can go into that building, whether it is this current owner or when he <br />sells the property. If there is 17,000 square feet of accessory structure space on the property it <br />will encourage warehousing or manufacturing type of use. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen commented she understands that, but thinks it may also encourage <br />future use of what the property is currently being used for; this is not unreasonable for someone <br />with horses and an indoor riding arena, and to have a few of these properties available in this part <br />of Ramsey is not unreasonable. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen stated his concern is that this is a residential neighborhood. The Council <br />has to be at least cautious when they are granting overages, and this is not just a minor overage. <br />When you live in a neighborhood you have to be cognizant of neighbors, and this is a large <br />addition. He is not in favor of granting this given that it is so much and it may impact on the <br />residential aspect of the neighbor. He thinks this' is too much to be asking. If there is some <br />indication that the prior use has been of a business, they have to follow rules, and based upon <br />what he is reading that had not been done here. <br /> <br />City Council / June 26, 2007 <br />Page 14 of 38 <br />