Adopt Ordinance #19-06 Amending Official Zoning Map; Case of Carol Lublin

The Ordinance was introduced by the City Council on February 26, 2019 and is now eligible for adoption.

A previous case this evening started the process of creating a new zoning district known as B-3 Neighborhood Business District. The intent of this district is small-scale business as support for local neighborhoods. This could be small offices, cafes, or commercial day cares. This would not include items such gas stations, auto repair, or auto sales. The intent is to create a walkable retail district closer to individual neighborhoods that is compatible with the surrounding residential district.

Staff attempted to notify all Property Owners within 350 feet of the proposal via Standard US Mail of the February 7 Public Hearing. The Hearing was also included in the Anoka County UnionHerald.

This site was the previous location of Lord of Life Church. When this church relocated, a large structure within a single-family district was left for adaptive reuse. Rather than rezoning the property, the City Council in the 1990s issued a Conditional Use Permit for the Subject Property, even though the use was not listed as a Conditional Use. This was a common tool at the time across the State of Minnesota as a means to infuse flexibility into local Zoning Codes. Ramsey was not the only community to utilize the tool in this manner as it was commonly held to be acceptable. Subsequently, a similar case outside of Ramsey, but in Minnesota, challenged the validity of Conditional Use Permits when not specifically listed as a Conditional Use. This case law changed the official interpretation of the use of Conditional Use Permits. This action will clean up any non-conforming use issues attached to this Property.

By rezoning the Property, it does not allow any additional uses other than what is allowed today (daycare, office, cafe). The new district does have some additional potential uses. However, this would require an amendment to the existing Conditional Use Permit, including Public Hearing and City Council Approval.

This case is being handled as part of normal Staff duties.

The Planning Commission recommends approval of the request. The Ordinance was introduced on February 26, 2019 and is now eligible for adoption.

Motion to waive the City Charter requirement to read the ordinance aloud and adopt Ordinance #19-06 amending the Official Zoning Map for 6139 157th Ln NW.

Roll Call Vote

Councilmember Shryock
Councilmember Kuzma
Councilmember Musgrove
Councilmember Heinrich
Councilmember Riley
Mayor LeTourneau