Minutes - 2001/12/10 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council December 10, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 18 within the City. That being said, such preservation and conservation efforts need to be balanced with the right to develop one's property. Because Rice Creek Watershed District, the local regulatory agency governing wetlands development, has approved the plat and alteration plans, and because the lots all exceed 20,000 square feet with significant dedication of easements, staff believes the variance for the reduced lot widths would not be materially detrimental to the purpose of the Wetlands Zoning Regulations. 7. The proposed variance will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property or substantially increase the congestion of the public streets or increase the danger of fire or endanger the public safety or substantially diminish or impair property values within the neighborhood. It is not expected that the proposed variance for reduced lot widths would not result in any of the above-cited adverse effects. Director Ericson indicated that Staff had stopped short of saying they are wholeheartedly in support of the variance because there are wetlands and the wetlands provide an important function to the City's ecosystem. He then indicated that Staff had drafted the two resolutions because Staff feels that a case could be made in support of the variance but it is a very subjective review and the Planning Commission felt that the hardship simply was not there. Council Member Thomas indicated she did not see where the hardship requirement had been met i and noted the City is not denying Mr. Harstad the right to develop his property in accordance with City Code. Acting Mayor Stigney asked how many sanitary sewer lines were put in. Director Ericson indicated that the sewer was in for 10 lots. Council Member Stigney questioned whether the sewer lines would line up properly if the development were reduced to eight lots. Director Ericson indicated that four or five lines maybe lined up properly if the development was reduced to eight lots. Council Member Thomas indicated that the utilities were installed in 1963 but noted that the number was not based on an actual approval it was based on a proposed plat. Based on that, she noted that she does not feel that using the utilities already being installed at the property as a basis for hardship is appropriate. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Thomas. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 5659, a Resolution Upholding the Planning Commission's Denial of a Variance for Reduced Lot Widths for the Proposed Longview Estates Major Subdivision. Ayes - 2 (Marty/Thomas) Nays - 2 (Stigney/Quick) Motion failed.