Adopt Resolution #18-085 Granting Final Plat Approval to Rum River Prairie (Project #17-149); Case of Eric Thomsen

The purpose of this case is to review the Final Plat for a proposed twenty-five (25) lot, detached single family residential subdivision located at the intersection of Armstrong Blvd and Tiger Street (PIDs 07-32-25-14-0001 and 07-32-25-13-0001, together, the "Subject Property").  The Subject Property is zoned R-1 Residential (Rural Developing) and the subject lots would be serviced by private well and septic services.

The Planning Commission held a public hearing at its February 1, 2018 meeting.  Staff attempted to notify all Property Owners within 700 feet of the Subject Property of the preliminary plat review.

The Applicant is requesting Final Plat approval of Rum River Prairie.

Properties to the west, north, and east of the Subject Property are zoned R-1 Residential (Rural Developing) and the properties to the south are zoned Planned Unit Development (PUD) and all are guided as Rural Developing. The proposed lots would be serviced by individual private utilities (well and septic). The lots being proposed range in size from 1.37 acres to 3.7 acres in size with all but one of the lots being 2.5 acres or greater in size. A variance to the lot area requirement was approved by the Planning Commission for Lot 1 Block 4 of the proposed plat, as the lot requiring a variance is similar in size and nature to surrounding parcels and is separated from the remainder of the Subject Property by existing roads (Armstrong Blvd and Tiger Street). The proposed lot appears to be consistent with the adjacent neighborhood. There are no other deviations from City Code.

The preliminary plat has been updated as outlined in the staff review memo. The final plat is consistent with the approved preliminary plat.

Alternatives

Alternative 1:  Adopt resolution #18-085 approving the final plat of Rum River Prairie. The final plat is consistent with the previously approved final plat. Staff believes that the proposed development is reasonable and compatible with the character of the surrounding development. Staff supports Alternative 1.

Alternative 2:  Deny Resolution #18-085 regarding approval of the final plat of Rum River Prairie.  If the City Council elects to move forward with alternative two it should clearly state its findings for the motion. Staff does not support Alternative 2.

All costs associated with processing the Application are the responsibility of the Applicant. The Planning Commission has recommended approval of this project.

Staff recommends adoption of Resolution #18-085 granting Final Plat approval of Rum River Prairie.

Motion to adopt Resolution #18-085 approving the Final Plat of Rum River Prairie.