04-23-18-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 4, 2018 4 resulted in the property having a depth and area significantly greater than the minimum requirement for the R-2 District. This, along with the topography and previous use of the property as a fire station are unique circumstances that require the creation of lots that far exceed the minimum lot area and depth requirement for the R-2 District, but require a minor variance for each lot from the minimum lot width requirement. 23. Approximately one-third of the properties within this block that have lot widths less than the required 85 feet for the R-2 District. While, the majority of the lots on this block are 85 feet wide or greater, few have the depth or area of the four lots proposed in the redevelopment. 24. There is an economic consideration in this case because the applicant is seeking to keep the homes at a more affordable price. This economic consideration on its own does not constitute a practical difficulty, but may be considered as a factor. City Planner Bachler stated staff is supportive of the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment in this case. The proposed designation of the property as Very Low Density Residential is consistent with the existing residential uses and densities in the surrounding area. The change in use of the property from public and institutional to residential would not have a significant impact in terms of traffic or demand on the City’s infrastructure. City Planner Bachler reported the findings of fact support a recommendation for approval of the variance request. The Planning Commission should evaluate whether the proposed variance meets the City requirements included in Section 1355.04, Subd. 4 as outlined above. If the Planning Commission votes to deny the variance request, the findings of fact would need to be amended to support the denial. City Planner Bachler explained staff recommends approval of Planning Case 18-001 for a Preliminary Plat, Final Plat, Comprehensive Plan Amendment, and Variance at 3246 New Brighton Road, based on the submitted plans and the finds of fact in the April 4, 2018 Report to the Planning Commission, as amended by the following nineteen (19) conditions: 1. The project shall be completed in accordance with the submitted plans as amended by the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission and City Council. 2. The execution of the Final Plat shall be contingent upon the Metropolitan Council’s approval of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment. 3. A Development Agreement shall be prepared by the City Attorney and subject to City Council approval. The Development Agreement shall be executed prior to the execution of the Final Plat. 4. The applicant shall submit a park dedication fee in the amount of $26,000, subject to the approval of the City Council. The park dedication fee shall be submitted prior to the execution of the Final Plat. 5. The applicant shall file the Final Plat with the Ramsey County Recorder and provide the City with a recorded copy within sixty (60) days of approval. 6. The applicant shall address all comments included in the memo provided by the Public Works Director/City Engineer dated March 7, 2018 prior to the issuance of any development permits.