08/08/2001 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Planning & Zoning Board August 8, 2001 Page 3 Mr. Corson asked if the City of Blaine, under the Joint Powers Agreement, could take away the sewer and water services. Mr. Smyser replied it would be difficult for the City of Blaine to do that, but it was feasible. Mr. Corson inquired about the MUSA requirements and the possibility of a septic system. Mr. Smyser replied a septic system was not a good solution and he was not sure about the MUSA requirements. Chair Schaps invited applicant to make comment. Mr. Joel Voelker, 7273 Stagecoach Trail, stated the whole purpose of subdividing lot was for economic reasons, and if the home proposed was of modest means that met the criteria of the neighborhood and was not obtrusive, then a variance should be allowed. He stated he understood there were a lot of non - conforming lots in that area and he did not understand why the policy was not set a long time ago. He asked when the area would be served by MUSA. He stated as far as he could tell, this area would always be served by the City of Blaine. He asked about the history of the lots being split. Chair Schaps replied that many years ago, the standards for lots were not the same and this had been changed over the years. He stated the reason they had Ordinances was to enforce them. Mr. Voelker stated he understood the need for following the Ordinances, but when he originally • thought about splitting the lot, he did not realize the lot depth was short by less than 10 feet, and he did not realize it was short until the survey was prepared. He stated for him to put in a septic system on the property, would not be a sellable item as a builder. He stated he would have to find a way to finance the sewer and water. • Mr. Smyser stated this area was zoned R -1 and in R -1, new lots could not be created, unless serviced by sewer and water. Mr. Corson asked if this was also a requirement for MUSA. Mr. Smyser stated he was not sure about the MUSA requirements, but the City Ordinance did not allow this area to be built without sewer and water hook -up. Ms. Lane stated she did not have a problem with this variance, if utilities were available. Mr. Corson stated he did not have a problem with the variances, but did have a problem with the City of Blaine servicing the utilities. Ms. Lane made a MOTION to approve the variance for 7080 Sunset Avenue Minor Subdivision contingent on the assurance there would be utility services available, and was supported by Mr. Lyden. MOTION FAILED. 3 -4 (Corson, Hyden, Schaps, and Zych). Mr. Corson made a MOTION for denying the variance based on the fact that they were not following the procedure in the MUSA requirements, and there would be no utility service by the City of Lino Lakes. Motion failed for lack of a second. Mr. Rafferty expressed concern that there was a similar situation addressed a couple of months ago and that request was granted and therefore, he was uncomfortable with denying this request.