CCP 02-13-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . may be more appropriate then a land dedication. In lieu ofthe land dedication, the City Council may require the applicant to pay, as an equivalent contribution, an amount in cash equal to the percentage of the land required to be dedicated, multiplied by the fair market value of the property at the time of the final approval of the suhdivision. Should a fee be accepted in lieu of a land dedication, the park dedication fee would be six percent of the land value of the property at the time of final approval of the subdivision. The 2006 market value according to Ramsey County records is $164,300. This value would result in a park dedication fee of $9,858. The Planning Commission may recommend a course of action to the City Council regarding a land dedication or park dedication fee. 3. Granting a Variance for a Subdivision - Findings Required Section 1150.01 ofthe Subdivision Ordinance allows the City to grant a variance for a subdivision if the following conditions exist: I, The hardship is not a mere inconvenience; 2. The condition or conditions upon which the request is based are unique and not generally applicable to other property; 3. The granting of a variance will not be substantially detrimcntal to the public welfare and is in accord with the purpose and intent of this chapter, the zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan. Staff has reviewed the variance criteria and offers the following findings: I. The hardship may be considered an inconvenience. Since it is possihle for the dwelling to be moved and thereby meet all setbacks, a hardship may not exist. The applicant has indicated that it is possible to move the stmcture without adding significant cost. If the structure is moved, the need for a variance would be eliminated, However, preserving mature trees is important for the character of the property and the neighborhood. Trees, particularly mature trees, and open spaces are integral to the character of the Jots, neighborhood, and the City. 2. The conditions are not entirely unique to this property. It is not unique topographical, lot size, or lot dimcnsions that are making the variance necessary. Although the property does have a number of mature trecs that add to the value and character of the neighhorhood, thcre is sufficient space on the proposed western property to place a conforming structure. While the mature trees may pre-date the currently landowner, meaning he or she did not create the perceived hardship, the Ordinance does not clearly state that protecting trees meets the hardship requirements of a variance. 3. When combined with the 21' drainage and utility easement, it is unlikely that granting the variance will be detrimental to the public welfare in terms of overall setbacks and City of Arden Hills Planning Commission .Meetingjor February J. 2006 \IMetro-inet.us'lnrdenlrills\PlanningIPlanning Cases\2006\06-002 Finde// minor subdivision and varinncelOJ 1806 PC Report - Findelf MillOI' Subdivision & Variance. doc Page 5 of 8