Consider Accepting Public Road Right-of-Way in lieu of Application and Escrow Fees Related to a Potential Minor Plat; Case of City of Ramsey

The property owner's goal could be accomplished through either an administrative subdivision or minor plat. With either process, he would incur the typical expenses for survey work and legal documents, plus application/escrow fees. However, if this were accomplished through a minor plat, the City could obtain a right-of-way corridor along the southern portion of Outlot B and extending to the eastern boundary of the outlot that would address the stubbed in road. Since there would be a mutual benefit if the property owner proceeded with a minor plat, there may be reason to consider accepting a right-of-way corridor in lieu of the required escrow and application fees.  The property owner has stated that he would be willing to pursue a minor plat rather than an administrative subdivision and dedicate the necessary right-of-way if that were acceptable.  It does not appear that any other development fees would be applicable because there are no new buildable lots being created.  Regardless of whether an administrative subdivision or minor plat were pursued, certain existing drainage and utility easements would need to be vacated and new easements would be required along the perimeter of the reconfigured property boundaries.

Staff believes that the right-of-way could potentially be valued somewhere between $0.65 and $1.00 per square foot and therefore would exceed the fees (application and escrow) typically collected for a minor plat.  Therefore, Staff would recommend that the City Council consider accepting dedicated right-of-way in lieu of the application and escrow fees that would be associated with the minor plat.

The discussion about an alternative payment option is being handled as part of Staff's regular duties.  Should the property owner pursue a minor plat, that would also be handled as part of Staff's duties due to the value of the right-of-way that the City would receive. 

Motion to accept a dedicated right-of-way corridor in lieu of application and escrow fees for a minor plat contingent upon the owner of L9 B4 Alpine Woods dedicating a sixty (60) foot wide right-of-way corridor across the southern portion of Outlot B Alpine Woods.

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Motion to require collection of the standard application and escrow fees related to a potential minor plat and/or administrative subdivision of L9 B4 Alpine Woods and Outlot B Alpine Woods.