PUBLIC HEARING: Consider a Zoning Map Amendment from I-1, Light Industrial to I-2, General Industrial for 14021 Azurite St NW and 14021 Basalt St NW; Case of ACE Solid Waste

The City has received an application from ACE Solid Waste (the "Applicant") for a Final Plat, Right-of-Way Vacation, and a Zoning Map Amendment from I-1, Light Industrial to I-2, General Industrial, on the properties currently addressed as 14021 and 14050 Basalt Street NW. The Applicant is also requesting a Zoning Map Amendment from I-1 to I-2 on the property at 14021 Azurite Street NW. Both Zoning Map Amendments are requested to allow for an expansion of ACE's operations in Ramsey.

Staff attempted to notify property owners within 350 feet of the Subject Property, as reflected in the Anoka County Property Records, of the request and the Public Hearings to be held by the Planning Commission and City Council. Notices of the Public Hearings were published in the Anoka County Union Herald, the City's official newspaper. Proposed development signs were placed on each property.

Subject Property and Zoning Map Amendment
The Zoning Map Amendment for 14021 Azurite Street NW is to allow for more flexibility for outdoor storage locations on the property, as ACE uses the Azurite property for waste container maintenance. The proposed use of the Azurite property is not changing with this request.

The Zoning Map Amendment for 14021 and 14050 Basalt Street NW is to align these parcels with the zoning of ACE's main property at 6601 McKinley Street NW. 14050 Basalt Street NW has been owned and occupied by ACE for several years and was inadvertantly rezoned from E-2 to I-1 with the new citywide zoning map that was adopted in 2023. 14021 Basalt Street NW was recently purchased by ACE to accommodate an expansion of their fleet parking lot with compressed natural gas (CNG) dispensers for some of their newer garbage and recycling trucks. Their intent is to demolish the building on 14021 Basalt Street NW as it does not meet their business needs.

Final Plat and Right-of-Way Vacation
Additionally, it should be noted that the proposed Final Plat and Right-of-Way Vacation. Both of these requests are sent directly to City Council, and they will hold a second Public Hearing pertaining to the Right-of-Way Vacation. The proposed final plat and vacation exhibits are attached to this case for reference. A segment of Basalt Street is proposed to be vacated between the 14021 and 14050 parcels, and the vacated right-of-way is proposed to be replatted with the two parcels to create one new parcel. 

Alternatives
Alternative 1: Recommend approval of the Zoning Map Amendment, as requested by the Applicant and as recommended by Staff.
Alternative 2: Recommend denial of the Zoning Map Amendment, based on supporting findings of fact.
 

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

Staff recommends approval of the Zoning Map Amendment.

Motion to recommend the City Council adopt Ordinance #26-06, Rezoning Property at 14021 Azurite Street NW, 14021 Basalt Street NW, and 14050 Basalt Street NW from I-1 to I-2.