PUBLIC HEARING: Consider Resolution #22-083 Approving a Variance for 16165 Olivine St NW (Project 22-115); Case of Charles Hansen

The purpose of this case is to consider a request from Charles Hansen (the "Applicant") for a detached building to be built within the front yard setback of the property at 16165 Olivine St NW (the "Subject Property"). The Subject Property is approximately 1.22 acres. The proposed building is a 30 x 64 foot garage to store personal equipment and vehicles. The Subject Property is in the R-1 Residential (Rural Developing) Zoning District and guided as Rural Developing in the Comprehensive Plan. The Subject Property is surrounded by other residential properties zoned and guided the same.

The City attempted to send a mailing via Standard US Mail to property owners within 350 feet of the Subject Property, as noted in the Anoka County Property Records, notifying them of the public hearing. The notice was also published in the Anoka County Union Herald.

Summary
The Applicant has requested a variance to build a 30' x 64' foot detached structure approximately 40 feet off the western lot line (Olivine St) of the Subject Property. While the Rural Developing district designates a 40 foot front setback, accessory structures cannot be closer to the road than the home. In this case, the proposed structure would meet the 40 foot setback but would be closer to the road than the home, requiring the variance. The home is approximately 75 feet from the front property line which would require any structures to be at least that far from the front property line. City Code also has a standard permitting structures to be closer than the principal dwelling if the property is at least two (2) acres in size, but the Subject Property is only 1.22 acres in size so it does not meet this requirement either.

The proposed building is 1,920 square feet (30 x 64 feet). The property is allowed 2,200 square feet of detached structures, and would meet this requirement if the structure is built. The building would comply with the minimum side yard setback of 10 feet, and the rear setback of 5 feet. The structure would also meet the height requirement with a proposed height of 15 feet at the mean gable. The proposed structure meets all other criteria, except for the distance from the front property line.

Variance Considerations
When considering granting a variance, statute states that the Planning Commission should consider the following three questions, which is the three-pronged test to decide if there is a practical difficulty onsite:

• Is the request reasonable? Accessory buildings are an allowed use in the residential district, and are common throughout the City of Ramsey. This building is an allowable size under current City ordinances.
• Is the situation unique? Staff does feel that the situation is unique. The variance is needed because of the location of the septic system on the property. There are not any other viable options for the location of the detached structure that would be in line with the distance of the home.
• Would the request alter the essential character of the neighborhood? Staff does not feel that the request would alter the character of the neighborhood. Pole barns and detached structures are a common feature throughout Ramsey, and in this neighborhood. The Subject Property also has a row of trees that would provide adequate screening of the proposed detached structure.

Based on the three factor test above, Staff does feel that the request meets the requirements to pass a variance.

City Code Sections

• 117-349 (Accessory Uses and Buildings)
• 117- 111 (R-1 Residential District).

Alternatives
Alternative 1: Approve the variance request. Staff supports this alternative. Staff does feel the variance request is reasonable, unique, and meets the criteria for a variance.
Alternative 2: Deny the variance request. Staff does not support this alternative.

The Applicant is responsible for all costs associated with this project and review.

Staff recommends Planning Commission adopt Resolution #22-083 approving a Variance allowing a detached garage nearer the front property line than the home at 16165 Olivine St NW.

Motion to adopt Resolution #22-083 granting a variance to setbacks for a detached garage at 16165 Olivine St NW.