Adopt Ordinance #24-08: Rezone Property in the Donna Farms plat from B-2 to B-3

On May 14, 2024, the City Council approved the Final Plat for Donna Farms, located at 8655 and 8725 Riverdale Drive NW. That same evening, the City Council introduced Ordinance #24-08, which will rezone the Subject Property from B-2 to B-3. The rezone request is the first step of accommodating an RV sales and service facility on one lot for Markquart RV (formerly known as RV World), who is looking to relocate and expand their operations in Ramsey, and a U-Haul self-storage facility and truck rental depot on the other lot. It should be noted that both uses will require Conditional Use Permits and it is anticipated that each business will submit Land Use Applications in the near future. All details pertaining to each business's site plan, building design, landscaping, and other design-related items will be reviewed at the time of receiving a complete Land Use Application.

The site is guided for commercial uses in the Comprehensive Plan. A rezone from B-2 to B-3 would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. When the Zoning Code and Zoning Map were updated in 2023, the general rationale for the allotment of commercial zoning districts (the "B" zones) was that B-1 was adjacent to residential uses, B-2 was across a street from residential uses, and B-3 was set farther away from residential uses. The Subject Property is located across Riverdale Drive from Riverstone South, a residential development. It is recommended that the two proposed businesses be mindful of the proximity to Riverstone South when developing their respective site plans by adding berms and landscaping along Riverdale Drive to add to the neighborhood's character.

The adjacent properties to the west and east will remain in the B-2 zoning district.

Staff attempted to notify property owners within 700 feet of the Subject Property, as reflected in the Anoka County Property Records, of the request and the Public Hearing held by Planning Commission on April 25, 2024. A notice of the Public Hearing was published in the Anoka County UnionHerald, the City's official newspaper. A proposed development sign was placed on the property.

Alternative 1: Approve the Zoning Map Amendment, as recommended by Staff and Planning Commission.
Alternative 2: Deny the Zoning Map Amendment, based on supporting findings of fact.

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

At its meeting on April 25, 2024, the Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the Zoning Map Amendment. Additionally, at its meeting on May 14, 2024, the City Council voted 6-0 to introduce Ordinance #24-08 to rezone the Subject Property from B-2 to B-3.

Motion to waive the Charter requirement to read the ordinance aloud and adopt Ordinance #24-08, rezoning 8655 and 8725 Riverdale Drive NW from B-2 to B-3.

Roll call vote.