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6.b Public Comments_Brannan 1 January 28th,2022 To Whom it my Concern: Accessory Dwelling Unit-Variance- Susan and Paul Rodsjo- 21450 Pomroy Avenue North- Scandia, MN Lot 1, Block 2, Troll Landa Subdivision Susan and Paul Rodsjo. Attention: Mayor of Scandia, Scandia City Council Members and City Planner From: Patricia A. Brannan I have lived in Scandia for 43 years, Resident and Property Owner. My residency is located at 21455 Pomroy Avenue North. My property is on 4.6 wooded acres, directly across the street from Rodsjo's property. My driveway is over 550 feet long and I have no additional structures on my property. I enjoy living in the woods, with deer, birds and the quietness of 5 acres of land which was required when we built in 1978. Paul and Susan Rodsjo have been my neighbor for over 20 years, and I have a friendly neighborhood relationship with both Paul and Susan. I did receive the City of Scandia’s letter dated December 22,2022 which stated a Request to Consider a Variance to Construct an Accessory Dwelling Unit at 21450 Pomroy Avenue North, Scandia, MN. I initiated a meeting with Sue Rodsjo on Thursday 01/20/2022 to learn more about her plans. The Accessory Dwelling Unit will be a Second Dwelling on their property of 4.4 acres. The second dwelling, she is asking to build is a Settler’s Cabin plus an addition on the front and back of the structure. The square footage will be 1,870 sq. ft. and 17 X 30 feet. This square footage on her current home is 3,321 on 4.4 acres. When I asked Sue Rodsjo why she was moving forward with this project, she stated that she was building it for her adult children, so they would have a place to stay when visiting. Her current three level home lists four (4) bedrooms & four (4) baths, (3) bathrooms and is over 3,200 square feet. For the last 2 years her home has been listed on Airbnb for $850.00 a night with a three-day minimum -stating occupancy of up to 10 quests. Susan and Paul's lifestyle is they travel and are not home for long periods of time. I am writing to you as I strongly OBJECT to this Variance Dwelling Request and do not feel that this 4.4-acre property meets the Variance code and guidelines of the City of Scandia. I have concerns that this second dwelling will become an additional rental property along with her current home on Airbnb. I did talk to Brenda Eklund, City Clerk and was given the city amendments on Accessory Dwelling Units and Bed and Breakfast- which were passed on May 5th,2021. Here are some of my Questions. Question #1 –The amendment clearly states property must be five (5) acres or more. Rodsjo property is a parcel of 4.4 acres. Under C-1, the accessory structure is a least 200 feet from the road right-of-way on lots of 5 acres or more. Rodsjo does not have the necessary acres to build this structure. Under section (10)-B- page 79-it states that the floor area of a detached Accessary Dwelling Unit shall not exceed one thousand (1,000) square feet. Rodsjo proposal for the accessary dwelling is 1,870 almost twice the size as the (1,000) square feet required. Question #2 -Section (9)-B- Internal Accessory Dwellings Units are limited to one thousand (1,000) square feet in area. In no case shall the floor area of the Internal Accessory Dwelling Unit exceed the floor area of the first floor of the primary structure or accessory structure. Rodsjo is requesting 1870 square feet for the Accessory Dwelling Unit which is greater than the 1,000 square feet allowed. The primary resident is already 3,219 square ft. and is consider one of the larger properties on Pomroy Avenue. Question #3 What will be the usage of this new Accessary Dwelling "Settler Cabin"? Will this be a second rental listing on Airbnb? 4.4(1)- No structure shall be constructed for the sole purpose of being utilized as a bed and breakfast facility, and no existing structure shall be enlarged or expanded for the purpose of providing additional room for quests. The exterior appearance of the structure shall not be altered from its single-family charter. (3) Guest are limited to a length of stay of no more than thirty consecutive days. The exterior example of "Settler Cabin Structure" that Rodsjo illustrated is Red in color, very visible and does not match the current structure and natural color of their home. I will be able to see this structure from my driveway. Question #4 - Will this the “Settlers Cabin” be different than the existing look of the property and will have the appearance of a separate unit? Section (9)-D. The appearance or character of the principal building shall not be significantly altered to create the Accessory Dwelling Unit, so its appearance is no longer that of a one- family dwelling. The current plan is to have a RED "Settler Cabin" totally different than the principal building natural color scene. Question- will this addition become a second rental? Will this property be turned into a business rather than a residency? What will the City of Scandia do to protect that this does not happen? Question #5- If this is a Bed and Breakfast, will there be on-site parking as required for quest? Will this “Settler Cabin” become a second rental and turn these properties into a business rather than a residency? What will the City of Scandia do to protect us, so this does not happen? Quest Parking 4.4 Bed and Breakfast-4.4) Provide On-site parking sufficient to handle all quest and owner's vehicles shall be provided. Where on the current plot is parking to provided? In my conversation with Rodsjo, Susan referred to Jim Lindberg's "Settle Cabin" which is located on Parrish Ave. in Scandia. This cabin was restored this past Fall and it sits behind Lindberg's homestead on Olinda Trail. It is located on his field on Parrish Avenue. Lindberg's property on Zillow list 9 acres. Lindberg's "Settle Cabin" is in an opened field, surrounded by open space, and does not have any additional add-ones- different from the Rodsjo illustration. Lindberg's "Settler Cabin" looks more like 1,000 sq. footage with is allowed. Six years ago, the City of Scandia approved a Variance to construct a Red Sheet Metal Pole Barn to Carol and Dave Schwinghammer at 21535 Pomroy Avenue North. There were several long-time residences that opposed this structure. Last Fall this property listed "For Sale" at $995,000. The Schwinghammer will sell their property and move on, but the residents on Pomroy will view the Pole Barn- which is constructed closer to the road and in front of this property. The Schwinghammer’s also rent their home for $600.00 a night. Is this what the City of Scandia wants for the future of community? The decisions of the City Council and City Planner does affect our community. When I was in White Bear Lake the trend in the 1990's was to convert train cars and Caboose into overnight stays and cards party. Carroll Matlins a resident placed one in this backyard. When he decided to sell his home in WBL, there was his Caboose on his property. The Caboose took away from the value of his home and potential buyers. Today that Caboose sits next to the Train Depot on Highway 61 in White Bear Lake where it belongs. I feel that the Mayor of Scandia, City Council and the City Planner should be Consistent and Abide by the Ordinances & Codes in place today. If not, more people will come to the City of Scandia with their desires for exceptions, requesting additional buildings to their properties- less than the required (5) acres. I believed that having 5 acres or more protected us, so Scandia could remain rural and enjoy the advantages of living in the country. Where does this Accessary Dwelling addition fit into the Scandia Comprehensive Plan? What action will the City of Scandia do to take steps, so these types of Variances are denied? Does the City of Scandia have a Bed & Breakfast policy in place to address this issue? If not, I strongly encourage that the City of Scandia develop an ordinance/code sooner than later! One thing that I am most frustrated about is that I DID receive the Variance Letter -three days before Christmas. In talking with other Pomroy residences, they DID NOT receive this important notice- Sogge, Zuniga, Erickson, Houlding, Tockman, Kapfer- Grant Wheaton- who is out of town. All Pomroy Avenue residents should have been sent this very important letter. I hope it is not too late to notify all residents on Pomroy before the February 8th,2022 meeting. Can the City please send this letter to residents listed below? In closing, I will be at the Site meeting for 21450 Pomroy Avenue on Sunday, January 30th,2022 at 3:00pm. I will be at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 8th at 7:00 p.m. and request time to speak. If any Council Members has questions, please contact me directly by phone or email which is listed below. Thank you for your service- keeping the City of Scandia a rural area and a well-planned community for years to come. Sincerely, Patricia A, Brannan pbrannan@frontiernet.net 651-324-8909 Listed below are examples of square footage. Pictures below. Scroll Down. Total of five pictures. 21455 Pomroy Ave-Brannan – 1400 square ft. 21450 Pomroy Ave. North- Rodsjo – Square ft.3,320 square ft. . Paul’s Cabin being moved and restored. Final size with be 1838 square ft. Two additions will be added to this structure. Jim Lindberg's property restored "Settler Cabin" on Parrish Ave in Scandia-. about 1,000 sq. ft on 9 acres of land. Red Caboose in White Bear Lake- Restore for Overnight stay and card parties.