Adopt Resolution #21-161 Outlining Lawful, Nonconforming Rights and Code Enforcement Process at  7127 Highway 10 NW

Planning is seeking direction from City Council for code enforcement of City of Ramsey City Code at 7127 Highway 10 NW. The Subject Property has a history of code enforcement cases since 2012 for off-street parking violations, outdoor storage of inoperable or abandoned vehicles, and non-permitted zoning uses. Most recently, the violations include no conditional use permit (CUP), otherwise required in the H-1 Highway 10 Business District per City Code. Because this is a Ramsey business, Staff has attempted to work with the Property Owner to come into compliance and get the proper permit (CUP) since February 20, 2020.

No notification required. 

There is currently a code enforcement case on the Subject Property for regarding triple stacking vehicles, required permits, permitted uses, and outdoor storage of inoperable vehicles. The Subject Property is being used as a used car dealership. A first notice of violation for triple stacking vehicles, permitted uses, and outdoor storage of inoperable vehicles was sent to the Subject Property on October 28, 2020 after a drive-by inspection was conducted. A second notice of violation for triple stacking vehicles, permitted uses, and outdoor storage of inoperable vehicles was sent to the Subject Property on November 18, 2020 to lay out corrective actions.

The Property Owner responded to the second letter with a voicemail warning staff that they would seek legal council for harassment based on code enforcement letters.

Staff has not seen improvement onsite, and there are inoperable vehicles, vehicles triple stacked, and there has been an expansion of the use on the site. There are also appear to be personal vehicles stored on the site that are not for sale, but are the owners.

Staff is seeking direction from City Council to tow vehicles that are not in compliance, move items into the judicial process that require it, and bring the property into compliance. This method is consistent and uniform with how Staff typically handles violations on commercial properties.

 

Staff handles all Code Enforcement cases as part of their regular duties.

Staff recommends motion to adopt Resolution #21-161.

Motion to adopt Resolution #21-161 approving the lawful, nonconforming rights and code enforcement process at 7127 Highway 10 NW.