Adopt Resolution 19-279 Approving an Interim Use Permit at 16839 Saint Francis Blvd NW to Temporarily Allow Two Homes on the Subject Property

The purpose of this case is to review an Interim Use Permit (IUP) request from Chelsea and Robert Jones (the "Applicants") to temporarily have two homes at the property generally known as 16839 St Francis Blvd NW (the "Subject Property") to maintain the existing home while a new home is built. The Applicant has proposed building a new home on the Subject Property to remain in Ramsey, and will tear down the existing home after receiving the certificate of occupancy (CO) and moving into the new home. The City Code only allows one primary dwelling/home per residential property, so an IUP is required to allow a new home to be built.  

Notifications of this proposal were sent via Standard US Mail to Property Owners within 350 feet of the Subject Property, as reflected by Anoka County Property Records to notify them of the December 5, 2019 Planning Commission Public Hearing. A notice was also published in the Anoka Union Herald, the City's Official newspaper. 

The City Code only allows one primary dwelling/home per residential property, so an IUP is required to allow a new home to be built. IUPs are a tool allowed under City Code Section 117-52. The purpose and intent of allowing interim uses is:

• To allow a use for a limited period of time that reasonably utilizes the property where it is not reasonable to utilize it in the manner provided in the comprehensive guide; and
• To allow a use that is presently acceptable but that, with anticipated development will not be acceptable in the future.

Staff does believe that the request to maintain an existing home while building a new residence is a reasonable use. The Applicants would like to stay in their existing home and in Ramsey during construction, and have agreed to demolish the existing home after finishing construction. The site is adequately large to allow for this. While not a common request, the City of Ramsey has granted Interim Use Permits (IUPs) in the past for the same use and has not had an issue enforcing said permits.

City Staff could see the number of these requests increasing in coming years as tear-down and rebuild situations become more common as housing costs increase.

The proposed conditions in the attached IUP include:

• Finishing construction within six (6) months of permit issuance.
• Fully moving out of the existing home within thirty (30) days of new home being built.
• Demolition of the existing home within sixty (60) days of the new home being built.
• Require building and demolition permits, and all other necessary permits.

The Applicant is responsible for all costs associated with review.

Staff recommends approval of Resolution #19-279 approving an Interim Use Permit for 16839 Saint Francis Blvd to maintain an existing residence during construction of a new home.

Motion to Adopt Resolution #19-279.