Adopt Resolution #21-122 Approving the Final Plat and Development Agreement for Wetterlind Acres (Project No. 21-114); Case of Mark Roe on behalf of Sandra and Loren Wetterlind

The City has received an application from Mark Roe (the "Applicant") for a Minor Plat to split the property at 8154 161st Ave NW (the "Subject Property) into two (2) lots.  The existing home on the Subject Property would be on the northern lot and would retain its access from 161st Ave, while the new, buildable lot would be the southern parcel and would gain access from the existing 159th Lane cul-de-sac.

The City attempted to notify Property Owners, as reflected in the Anoka County Property Records, within 700 feet of the Subject Property of the request.

The Subject Property is zoned R-1 Residential (Rural Developing), is approximately 9.95 acres in size, and is guided as Rural Developing in the Comprehensive Plan.  The surrounding parcels are all zoned R-1 Residential (Rural Developing), are all guided as Rural Developing in the Comprehensive Plan, and range in size from about 1 acre up to just shy of 15 acres.

Both resulting parcels would meet or exceed all bulk standards for the R-1 District (Rural Developing) district.  Lot 1 (with the existing home) would be approximately 4.95 acres in size with over 300 feet of frontage along 161st Ave while Lot 2 (southern, new buildable lot) will be 5 acres and would gain access from the existing 159th Lane cul-de-sac.  The Minor Plat will dedicate an additional 5,280 square feet of right-of-way, mostly along 161st Ave but also completing the full radius of the 159th Lane cul-de-sac. as well as the requisite drainage and utility easements around the perimeter of the Subject Property.  Both lots would be served by private wells and septic systems.

The Police Department did review the proposed Minor Plat and noted their preference was to not have the plat move forward if it precludes the future connection of Hedgehog Street (terminates at the southern boundary of the Subject Property) and 159th Lane.  Both lots do meet all bulk standards of the zoning district.  If a road connection were made (or even just the dedication of right-of-way for a future road connection), it would result in a remnant parcel south and west of that corridor that would be smaller than code allows.

Alternatives

Alternative 1: Approve the Final Plat and Development Agreement for Wetterlind Acres.  Both resulting lots would meet all bulk standards of the zoning district.  The new, buildable lot would gain access from the existing 159th Lane cul-de-sac and the right-of-way of the cul-de-sac, which currently is just shy of the minimum standard, would be enlarged to ensure a full radius of 65 feet.  Staff supports this alternative.

Alternative 2: Approve a modified version of the Final Plat and Development Agreement that includes either a road connection between Hedgehog Street and 159th Lane or a corridor of right-of-way for a future connection (at City cost).  This would create a remnant parcel that is less than 2.5 acres in size, which is the minimum lot size required in this zoning district.  Planning Staff does not support this alternative.

Alternative 3: Do not approve the Final Plat and Development Agreement.  This action would result in the Subject Property remaining as a single lot.  It appears that both lots will meet/exceed all bulk standards for the zoning district; thus, Staff does not support this alternative.

All costs associated with this request are the Applicant's responsibility.

Staff recommends approving the Final Plat and Development Agreement for Wetterlind Acres.

Motion to adopt Resolution #21-122 approving the Final Plat and Development Agreement for Wetterlind Acres.