5. Staff report-Smith Minor Subdivision - PC 04.07.20
Memorandum
To: Scandia Planning
Commission
Reference: Smith Minor Subdivision
Copies To: Ken Cammilleri, City
Administrator
Brenda Eklund, Clerk
Marschall Smith, applicant Project No.: 17722.000 - Smith
From: Merritt Clapp-Smith,
Planner
Routing:
Date: April 2, 2020
SUBJECT: Smith Minor Subdivision
MEETING DATE: April 7, 2019
LOCATION: 13781 185th Street North
(PIDs # 34.032.20.31.0001 and #34.032.20.34.0003)
APPLICANT: Marschall Smith
18640 Olinda Trail North
ZONING: General Rural (GR) District
60-DAY PERIOD: May 15, 2020
ITEMS REVIEWED: Application and Preliminary Plat received on March 16, 2020
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE REQUEST:
The applicant is proposing a minor subdivision for two parcels of land as follows:
Split a 23.19 acre lot (PID #34.032.20.31.0001) into 3 parcels: (1) A 3.444 acre lot (Block 1 Lot 1)
which has an existing residential structure; (2) a 0.39 acre vacant lot (Outlot B), which could
then be combined with a neighboring property (Gutmanis); and (3) combine a 2nd parcel (PID
#34.032.20.34.0003) of 1.58 acres into the remaining 19.356 acres from the original parcel.
Smith Minor Subdivision - Staff Report Submitted: March 27, 2020
Scandia Planning Commission Page 2 Public Hearing: April 7, 2020
PROPERTY INFORMATION
Parcels:
• A 23.19-acre lot (PID #34.032.20.31.0001) – farmstead and agricultural field
• A 1.58-acre lot (PID #34.032.20.34.0003) – vacant open field
Zoning: The parcels are located in the General Rural District.
Land use: The larger parcel has a former farmstead with a residential structure and a few
outbuildings. The rest of the large parcel and the smaller parcel are agricultural.
Natural Features and Conditions: The parcels are open fields, except for a steep wooded
slope along the entire western edge down to Norell Avenue North.
Smith Minor Subdivision - Staff Report Submitted: March 27, 2020
Scandia Planning Commission Page 3 Public Hearing: April 7, 2020
DETAILED EVALUATION OF THE SUBDIVISION REQUEST:
Comprehensive Plan
The Comprehensive Plan describes the General Rural District as a residential area of mixed lot
sizes. The first goal of the Land Use chapter is to “preserve the rural, agricultural character of
Scandia through zoning regulations, ordinances, and site design standards”.
The proposed minor subdivision complies with all code standards and is consistent with the
goals and policies in the Comprehensive Plan.
Development Code Requirements: Density, Lot Size, Frontage, and Buildable Area
The General Rural Zoning District includes the following standards for new parcels:
• 4 buildable lots per 40 acres (original quarter-quarter section)
• Minimum lot size: 2.0 acres
• Minimum buildable area: 1.0 acres (43,560 square feet)
• Minimum lot frontage on public roads:
o Lots 4.0 acres or larger: 300 feet
• Structure setbacks:
o 40 feet front
o 20 feet side
o 50 feet rear
The subdivided parcel with an existing farmstead complies with the density, size, buildable
area, frontage requirements, and structure setbacks of the Development Code. Outlots A and B
are not proposed for development and will remain vacant.
Accessory Structures
No new accessory structures are proposed. Two existing accessory structures located near the
south lot line of proposed Block 1, Lot 1, will be removed, as indicated on the Preliminary Plat.
Wetlands and Slopes
The Preliminary Plat shows the location of slopes on the western edge of the main lot. There
are no identified wetlands. No new construction is proposed.
Smith Minor Subdivision - Staff Report Submitted: March 27, 2020
Scandia Planning Commission Page 4 Public Hearing: April 7, 2020
Wastewater Treatment
There is an existing septic system for the residence on Block 1, Lot 1. A secondary septic
location should also be identified, to accommodate potential future need. The applicant has
submitted an application to Washington County for a soil review to identify the secondary
location.
Water Service
An individual well already provides water service to the residence on Block 1 Lot 1
Lot Coverage
The maximum lot coverage permitted in the General Rural District is 25%. The existing
structures on Block 1 Lot 1 are well below this limit.
Stormwater Management and Watershed District Comments
The proposed minor subdivision does not include any activities related to construction, grading,
fill or vegetative removal. There are no wetlands on the property. Therefore, no permits or
review by the Watershed are required.
Drainage and Utility Easements and Rights-of-Way and City Engineer Comments
The City Engineer and City Public Works Director reviewed the Preliminary Plat for the minor
subdivision and had no comments or requests in regard to easements or city rights-of-way.
Driveways
There are two driveways leading to Block 1 Lot 1. The first is a short driveway off of 185th
Street North that leads to the house. The second is a long driveway off of Olinda Trail North,
which runs along Outlot A and provides field access, and then crosses onto Block 1, Lot 1,
providing access to the farmyard accessory building. Both driveways will be maintained and no
additional trips are expected, since the property uses remain the same.
Park Dedication
Park dedication is required for new lots in subdivisions. No unbuilt lots for future residential are
proposed and therefore the Parkland dedication does not apply.
ACTION REQUESTED:
The Planning Commission can recommend the following:
Smith Minor Subdivision - Staff Report Submitted: March 27, 2020
Scandia Planning Commission Page 5 Public Hearing: April 7, 2020
1. Approval
2. Approval with conditions
3. Denial with findings
4. Table the request
PLANNING STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Planner recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the proposed
minor subdivision for 13781 185th Street North (PIDs # 34.032.20.31.0001 and
#34.032.20.34.0003) to:
(1) Split off a 3.444-acre lot (Block 1 Lot 1) which has an existing residential structure;
(2) Create a 0.39-acre vacant lot (Outlot B), to be deeded to and combined with a
neighboring property (Gutmanis); and
(3) Combine a 2nd parcel (PID #34.032.20.34.0003) of 1.58 acres into the remaining 19.356
acres of original parcel, to be known as Outlot A.
This is as shown on the Preliminary Plat, and subject to the following conditions:
1. The minor subdivision shall be in substantial compliance with the Preliminary Plat dated
March 16, 2020.
2. Two existing accessory structures located near the south lot line of proposed Block 1,
Lot 1, shall be removed, as indicated on the Preliminary Plat.
3. A secondary septic location for Block 1, Lot 1 shall be identified on the Final Plat
document, to be reviewed by the City and filed with Washington County.
4. The applicants shall record a Final Plat with Washington County within one year of the
date when the minor subdivision is approved.
5. The applicant shall pay all fees and escrows associated with this application.