Discuss Creation of a Neighborhood Office Zoning District (Project No. 16-26); Case of the City of Ramsey

Following the Public Hearing regarding the property located at 6139 157^th Lane NW, staff was instructed to create a new zoning district within the City of Ramsey for the purposes of commercial property located near or adjacent to residential properties. This came about due resident concern about the current secretarial/daycare business moving from this property, and what business might replace it. Stated concerns included a new business negatively affecting property values, high speed and level of traffic along Nowthen Boulevard,  gas stations creating too much traffic if it were to locate on this site and potential expansion of the current building.The initial thought was to re-zone this property B-1, however that would allow some of the types of businesses that residents were concerned about to potentially locate on the property. The Commission suggested the possibility of creating an entirely new zoning district that would allow the types of businesses that fit well in a residential area, and restrict the ones that do not. Residents that were present for the public hearing were amenable to that option.

The purpose of the discussion tonight is to review the draft zoning district, collect feedback from the Planning Commission regarding the new zoning district, and bring an ordinance back to a later meeting.

No notification was completed, as this is a discussion item.

Staff took the standards for the B-1 General Business District and removed all retail uses and gas stations, as these types of businesses do not fit well in close proximity to a residential district. Permitted uses in the new Neighborhood Office District include: administrative and business offices, personal or professional services, medical clinics, animal clinics and day care centers.  Potential conditional uses include: expansion or enlargement of lawful nonconforming uses and small-scale coffee shop or deli (under 2,000 square feet). The permitted accessory uses nor the bulk standards did not change from the B-1 General Business District, and include regulations regarding setbacks,  off-street parking, landscaping, and building materials.

The purpose of the discussion tonight is to review the draft zoning district, collect feedback from the Planning Commission regarding the new zoning district, and bring an ordinance back to a later meeting.

No funding is needed for this item.

Staff recommends reviewing the enclosed redline changes, providing feedback regarding the Neighborhood Office District, and directing staff to conduct a public hearing and present a draft ordinance.

Review enclosed Neighborhood Office zoning district and provide feedback to staff regarding changes. No formal action is needed.