Adopt Resolution #15-03-080 Granting Final Plat Approval of Rowe Addition; Case of John and Sharon Rowe

The City has received Sketch Plan and Final Plat applications for a Minor Plat known as Rowe Addition, located at 17059 Nowthen Blvd NW (the "Subject Property").  The Minor Plat will result in the creation of one (1) lot with an existing home on it and an outlot.  A recent Ordinance Amendment approved by City Council now allows minor plats to be processed administratively by Staff with the Final Plat being placed on the Consent Agenda authorizing the necessary signatures on the Plat.

Staff attempted to notify all property owners within 700 feet of the Subject Property of the Minor Plat request.

The Subject Property is approximately twenty-two (22) acres in size and is zoned R-1 Residential (MUSA).  There is a single family home on the Subject Property that will remain.  The purpose of the Plat is to separate the majority of the land from the home and plat it as an Outlot.  Thus, the net result of this Plat is no new buildable lots.

Lot 1 meets all required bulk standards (lot size, frontage, setbacks, etc.).    Since no new buildable lots are being created, there are no development fees due (park dedication, trail development, stormwater management).  The Plat is dedicating the necessary right-of-way to Anoka County along County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 5 but doesn't dedicate access to Anoka County adjacent to the Outlot.  Staff has forwarded the Plat to Anoka County Highway Department for comments but feels that the access question can be addressed in the future should development be proposed on the Outlot.  Note that the existing driveway access to CSAH 5 servicing the existing single family home will remain in place.

There are no utilities being installed nor any proposed grading for this Plat.  Engineering Staff has reviewed the Plat and is satisfied with the proposed Drainage and Utility Easements that will be dedicated to the City.

Standard City policy is to require trail along both sides of county roads.  While trail construction would not be required as part of this Plat, a fifteen (15) foot Trail Easement should be granted to the City to reserve a corridor for trail construction in the future (possibly in connection with development of the Outlot, if that were to eventually occur).

Alternatives

Option #1: Adopt Resolution #15-03-080 granting Final Plat approval for Rowe Addition contingent upon granting a Trail Easement to the City.  There are no new buildable lots being created with this Plat nor are any improvements being constructed.  The Plat meets all bulk standards for the R-1 Residential (MUSA) zoning district.  With the adoption of a recent Ordinance Amendment, Minor Plats are now processed administratively with the exception of placing a resolution on the City Council's Consent Agenda authorizing the necessary signatures on the Plat.  Staff supports this option.

Option #2: Do not adopt Resolution #15-03-080.  By not adopting this resolution, the Plat would not be approved and the property would remain as it is today, which consists of approximately twenty-two (22) acres and one single family home.  There does not appear to be any issues with the proposed Plat as it relates to platting requirements in City Code and thus, Staff does not support this option.

The Applicant is responsible for all costs associated with this request.

City Staff recommends adopting Resolution #15-03-080 granting Final Plat approval of Rowe Addition contingent upon granting a fifteen (15) foot Trail Easement to the City across the western portion of Lot 1.

Motion to adopt Resolution #15-03-080 granting Final Plat approval of Rowe Addition contingent upon granting a fifteen (15) foot Trail Easement to the City across the western portion of Lot 1.