07-09-2025 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 Schletty Drive, and that failure to comply with this condition be grounds for immediate revocation of the Special Home Occupation Permit. If City Hall is to continue serving as the designated parking area, staff recommends that Lake Phalen Rowing enter into a formal written use agreement with the City of Little Canada, subject to review and approval by the City Council. At a minimum, the agreement should include language indemnifying the City and require that the organization list the City as an additional insured on its insurance policy. 5. To Permit the Use of Non-Resident Employees with Operating the Occupation The applicant is seeking approval for two volunteer coaches, who do not reside on the property, to assist with youth instruction. Staff does not have significant concerns with the involvement of non-resident personnel, as this does not, on its own, appear incompatible with residential use. However, staff is concerned about the property owners’ stated lack of involvement. They are not coaches, employees, or board members of Lake Phalen Rowing. As a result, they have been unable to clearly articulate the full scope of the organization’s operations, including the anticipated timeline of activity on Lake Gervais and the current or future extent of adult programming. This lack of clarity complicates staff’s ability to assess the long-term impacts of the use and reinforces the importance of applying clear limits and conditions to ensure compatibility with the residential setting. Furthermore, because the homeowners are not actively involved in managing the club, it is unclear to what extent they can ensure that the use of their property will remain compliant with the terms of the permit. Their limited oversight role reduces accountability and raises concerns about the City’s ability to enforce conditions if violations occur. 6. Other Considerations Which Affect the General Welfare of the Surrounding Neighborhood As noted in the Outside Agency Review section, lake-related noise is traditionally regulated at the county level in Minnesota. However, Ramsey County does not have a noise ordinance that applies to Lake Gervais. In the absence of county regulation, regulation of noise-related concerns falls to the City. If Lake Phalen Rowing were accessing the lake through a public facility such as Lake Gervais County Park, the City would have limited authority to regulate the use of megaphones unless it amended its noise ordinance to address such activity. In this case, however, the activity originates from a private residence and is subject to review as a Special Home Occupation. Because the applicants are seeking permission to use their property in a more intensive manner than typically allowed in residential areas, the City has clear authority to impose reasonable conditions to protect neighborhood character and ensure compatibility with surrounding uses. Staff believes it is appropriate to prohibit the use of megaphones, bullhorns, or other devices that amplify voices during instruction. Given the proximity of neighboring homes and the way sound travels across open water, amplified voice projection creates a disproportionate impact on the general welfare of nearby properties. Staff recommends that a condition be included in the permit explicitly prohibiting the use of such devices.