07-11-2022 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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5. LA22-000027 AMY SWANSON, 4025 WATERTOWN ROAD, SUB-SKETCH PLAN. (STAFF: LAURA OAKDEN) Brian and Amy Swanson, Applicants, were present. City Planner Oakden gave a presentation on the item, noting the Applicant is requesting a sketch plan review on a proposed subdivision that would divide a parcel into a front lot/back lot subdivision. Planning Staff recommends non-binding feedback; Staff does not support the lot split as proposed bevause a non- conforming lot would be created inconsistent with the Zoning Code and Comprehensive Plan. The Applicant is proposing to split the parcel with an existing home and a creek on the property being the lot line. The Applicant would be proposing a 240 foot front lot width where 300 feet is required and 3.65 acres where 5 acres is required per the zoning district. Each lot would have its own septic and well and use of the property is anticipated as single-family residential. Oakden noted potential wetland areas are on the property. Brian Swanson, 4025 Watertown Road, stated with the crazy housing market they picture the narrow yet deep property and envision four sections: the first is the area they are proposing to break off, the pine area, the yard and existing home, and a wetland area. They could potentially add some acreage by the property line cutting across the creek rather than dividing the creek although it would still fall short of the five acre minimum. He noted moving the five acres would steal the septic tank from the current house. Mr. Swanson stated they have a second septic site approved for the current property and a primary with two alternates approved for the proposed split. He stated they have not done a wetland delineation yet as they wanted to come to the City first for feedback. Chair McCutcheon noted it is very tough for the City to open a non-conforming lot. He asked Mr. Swanson if they did five acres would it cut into the primary structure? Mr. Swanson replied it would not cut into the house but would cut into the mobile yard and would take the septic tank. Libby noted a wetland delineation manifests a lot more outcome and there is only a limited time to do this. He understands it is a budgetary thing. Mr. Swanson asked if they can prove the wetlands are here and there are two acres of buildable, would that be worth going down the road further? Bollis cannot think of a time the Commission has approved a substandard lot with width and area on a brand-new subdivision and he would not be in support of that. Libby asked if the Applicant has utilized any Hennepin County or federal wetland maps. Mr. Swanson replied they did use some of the Hennepin County measuring tools but he has not seen any of the federal overlays. Oakden clarified this is not a public hearing as listed on the Agenda but rather should be listed under Other Business for feedback. Bollis asked Oakden about the required lot depth. Oakden replied she does not know if there is a required lot depth for the front lot but there is one called out for the back lot at the 150%. Staff looks for the dry envelope, two acres dry contiguous, and in this