Consider Request for Extension of Variance and Conditional Use Permit related to Indoor Horse Riding Arenas at 17902 Saint Francis Blvd NW (Project No. 19-101); Case of Dale and Tammy Wills

In February of 2019, the Planning Commission conducted a Public Hearing to consider an application from Dale and Tammy Wills (the "Applicant"), to construct multiple indoor horse riding arenas on the property located at 17902 St. Francis Blvd NW (the "Subject Property").  On February 7, 2019, the Planning Commission approved the Variance (relating to the height of the two indoor riding arenas and lot width for a future lot split) and recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to exceed allowable square footage and number of detached accessory buildings on the Subject Property.  Then on February 26, 2019, the City Council approved the CUP.  As is standard, both the Variance and CUP included provisions for expiration if not initiated within one (1) year of the date of approval, and initiation was considered issuance of a permit for one of the riding arenas. 

Notification is not required.

The Applicant has been working with City Staff to obtain the necessary permit(s) for the first indoor riding arena.  It has been determined that the indoor riding arena meets the definition of an Agricultural Building and thus, is exempt from a Building Permit. However, Ramsey City Code still requires a Zoning Permit to verify architectural design and dimensional standard compliance.  The Applicant submitted an application for a Zoning Permit on September 13, 2019. Additionally, Minnesota State Fire Code still applies to Agricultural Buildings. Staff consulted with the State Fire Marshal's Office. It has been determined that fire suppression would be required based on the current proposed floor plan. The Applicant is working to redraw the floor plan to meet the requirements of Fire Code. 

Due to the time needed to incorporate some necessary design modifications, it was not practicable to initiate construction of one of the riding arenas as originally planned in 2019.  Based on the dates of approval of both the Variance and CUP, an extension is necessary. The Applicant plans to construct in 2020.  

Alternatives

Alternative 1: Adopt Resolution #19-273 approving a 1 Year extension for the Variance to February 26, 2021 and recommend City Council adopt Resolution #19-274 approving a 1 Year extension of the CUP to February 26, 2021.  

Alternative 2: Do not approve the request for a 1-year extension of the Variance and do not recommend approval of a 1-year extension of the CUP.  This action would require the Applicant to obtain the necessary permit(s) to commence construction on the first of two (2) indoor riding arenas before February 7, 2020.  Failure to do so would nullify the approved Variance.  Furthermore, by default, that would then nullify the CUP as well.  Staff does not support this alternative as the Applicant is working through the State Fire Code standards with City Staff in order to construct a code-compliant building.

The Applicant is responsible for costs incurred in processing this request.

Staff recommends adopting Resolution #19-273 approving a 1 Year extension for a Variance and Resolution #19-274 approving a 1 Year extension for a Conditional Use Permit. For consistency, Staff has drafted both extensions to expire on the same date despite different dates in action. This should avoid any confusion on expiration dates. 

Motion to adopt Resolution #19-273 approving a 1 Year extension for a Variance related to indoor horse riding arenas at 17902 Saint Francis Blvd NW.

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Motion to recommend City Council adopt Resolution #19-274 approving a 1 Year extension for a Conditional Use Permit related to indoor horse riding arenas at 17902 Saint Francis Blvd NW.