11-09-22 PC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 of 10 During the discussions, the City was evaluating the parcel size based off of Ramsey County Property Records and GIS mapping as there was no certificate of survey on record for the Subject Property. Ramsey County Property Records have the deeded acreage as 0.31 acres (approx. 13,500 square feet). The Subject Property came from the State through the County as part of the turn back of the Old Snelling Avenue (now referred to as Snelling Avenue North) corridor ROW to the City. Based on the best information available from Ramsey County, city staff initially identified that the total lot area of the parcel would be nonconforming since the minimum lot area requirement in the R-1 District is 14,000 square feet. A preliminary analysis of lot dimensions was completed as part of the Planning Commission review utilized the County’s GIS mapping in order to garner the approximate lot width and lot depth. Over the next year, city staff worked through the process to facilitate the sale of the Subject Property. On August 8, 2022, the City Council approved the purchase agreement for the Subject Property from Ahmed Ali and Nawal Hirsi. The purchase agreement included an acknowledgement of the Applicant’s responsibility for all costs associated with due diligence which includes the variance review due to the nonconforming lot size. As part of the due diligence via a survey, it was determined that the lot measured approximately 14,472 square feet, and would not require a variance for lot area but would require a variance for lot depth. 2. Site Data 3588 Ridgewood Road, the Subject Property, is zoned R-1, Single-Family Residential District. It is designated for Low Density Residential Uses in the 2040 Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The subject property is currently undeveloped. All surrounding parcels are also zoned R-1, Single Family Residential District and designated for Low Density Residential Uses in the Land Use Plan. 2040 Future Land Use Plan: LDR – Low Density Residential Existing Land Use: Vacant Zoning: R-1 Single Family Residential District Lot Size: 0.33 acres/14,472 square feet 3. Proposed Use The Applicants are requesting a variance for the nonconforming lot depth, to decrease the required front yard setback from 40 feet to a 10 foot setback from the property line abutting Snelling Avenue North and a 16 foot setback from the property line abutting Ridgewood Road, and the driveway access off Snelling Avenue North rather than from the local street - Ridgewood Road. Due to the nonconforming lot size of the Subject Property, the City Attorney has confirmed that a variance would be required for lot depth for future development of the site. The listing agreement did specify that a variance would be necessary due to the nonconforming lot size and it would be the responsibility of the Future Buyer to provide documentation including, but not limited to, a certificate of survey, elevation renderings, and floor plans in order to verify compliance with applicable city code requirements such as setbacks, lot coverage, floor area ratio, and other design standards with the proposed development as part of the variance review process. According to the Applicants narrative, the Subject Property includes unique circumstances due to its irregular shape, topography, and orientation of adjacent properties. Therefore, the Applicants have made the decision to also pursue a variance from the required front yard setback and driveway access. The Applicants have stated they would intend to meet applicable building codes and all other regulations in the R-1 District.