PUBLIC HEARING: Adopt Resolutions Related to the Final Plat for Rum River on the Green; Case of Paul and Mary Johnson

The City has received applications for Sketch Plan, Final Plat, and Easement Vacation related to a Minor Plat to be known as Rum River on the Green (the "Plat").  The owners of the property located at 16520 Germanium St (the "Subject Property") are proposing a lot split that will result in the creation of one (1) new buildable lot.

Staff attempted to notify all Property Owners within a 350 foot radius of the Subject Property of the Public Hearing via Standard US Mail. The Public Hearing was also published in the City's official newsletter, the Anoka County Union Herald.

The Subject Property is located in the R-1 Residential (Rural Developing) zoning district and is guided as Rural Developing in the Comprehensive Plan.  Furthermore, the Subject Property is also located within the Wild and Scenic River Overlay District and the Floodplain Overlay District, as are many of the surrounding parcels as well.  Currently, the Subject Property is about 4.4 acres in size, considerably larger than all of the surrounding residential properties (note that it is bounded to the west and north by Rum River Hills Golf Course).

The Subject Property has an existing homestead that will remain.  The Minor Plat will result in one (1) new buildable lot that will be 1.9 acres in size.  As noted, the Subject Property is within the Wild & Scenic River Overlay District and the R-1 Residential (Rural Developing) District, both of which require a minimum lot size of 2.5 acres.  However, in July of 2015, the Planning Commission did approve a variance to lot size for the newly created buildable lot, as the lot size of the newly created lot would remain consistent with, or larger than, surrounding residential parcels.

As part of the platting process, the existing drainage and utility easements will be vacated, contingent upon successful recording of the proposed Plat.  The Plat will dedicate new drainage and utility easements for both lots.

Staff has reviewed the Sketch Plan and Final Plat and found them to be generally acceptable with necessary revisions outlined in the Staff Review Letter.

The owners of the Subject Property have obtained a De Minimis exemption from the Lower Rum River Water Management Organization (LRRWMO) to allow for a driveway to cross a small segment of wetland to facilitate access to a new home. 

Alternatives

Alternative 1: Approve Resolutions #16-04-080, #16-04-081, and #16-04-082, approving the Easement Vacation contingent upon successful recording of the Plat, and approving the Development Agreement and Final Plat for Rum River on the Green contingent upon compliance with the Staff Review Letter dated April 22, 2016.  A variance has been granted to address the reduced lot size and the Final Plat is generally in compliance with the provisions of City Code, with the necessary revisions outlined in the Staff Review Letter.  Staff supports this alternative.

Alternative 2: Approve Resolutions #16-04-080, #16-04-081, and #16-04-082 with specified modifications.  This action would be based on discussion.

Alternative 3: Do not approve the request.  A variance has been granted to address the deviation in lot size for the newly created lot.  Any necessary revisions to the Plat and/or Sketch Plan have been addressed in the Staff Review Letter and thus, Staff does not support this alternative.

All costs associated with this request are the responsibility of the Applicant.

Staff recommends approval of the Easement Vacation, contingent upon successful recording of the Plat, of the Final Plat, contingent upon revisions outlined in the Staff Review Letter dated April 22, 2016, and of the Development Agreement contingent upon review and approval as to legal form by the City Attorney. 

↵Motion to approve Resolutions #16-04-080, #16-04-081, and #16-04-082, approving the vacation of drainage and utility easements on the Subject Property, the Final Plat, and the Development Agreement, with the following conditions outlined herein.