07-09-2025 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 RECOMMENDATION #2 (ALTERNATIVE) – DENIAL Should the City Council determine that the proposed Special Home Occupation is not compatible with the residential character of the neighborhood or that the requested deviations are too substantial, the Council may deny the application. Staff recommends that any denial be accompanied by specific findings to support the decision. A basis for denial could include any or all the following: 1. Incompatibility with Residential Character The proposed use introduces a level of activity, intensity, and traffic that exceeds what is typical or appropriate for a residential property. The presence of large group instruction, daily activity, and exterior equipment storage associated with a non-resident organization undermines the residential character of the area. 2. Concern for The General Welfare of the Surrounding Neighborhood The proposed activity has generated measurable neighborhood impacts, particularly related to parking and noise. While participants are directed to use the City Hall parking lot, there has been continued use of Edgerton Street for drop-off and pick-up, including vehicles stopping in the bike and pedestrian lane. In addition, the intensity of the activity, with up to 25 people congregating daily, contributes to elevated noise levels, frequent pedestrian crossings to and from the City Hall lot, and traffic circulation challenges that are atypical for single-family residential areas. These concerns have been consistently raised by neighbors and were a key consideration in the City’s evaluation. 3. Lack of Oversight and Operational Control The City’s home occupation standards are premised on the assumption that the resident is the owner and operator of the occupation, which ensures both accountability and a direct stake in compliance. In this case, the property owners have acknowledged they have no formal role in the management or decision-making of Lake Phalen Rowing. This disconnect limits their ability to ensure that the use remains compliant with any conditions imposed by the City and raises serious concerns about enforceability and long-term oversight. 4. Exceeds Scope of Home Occupation Intent The request represents a significant deviation from the standards established for home occupations, including limitations on group size, employee presence, exterior activity, and storage. Allowing these deviations would effectively permit an institutional or semi- commercial use in a low-density residential (R-1 District) setting. If the Council moves forward with a denial, staff will prepare written findings of fact consistent with this direction for inclusion in the formal resolution and action letter.