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Zoning Memo #792 April 12, 1994 Page 3 Additional Information Please review Bradley Hermans' letter regarding the types of activities which generally occur at the site. The Power Squadron has a reputation as a "good neighbor" to the boating public, providing a variety of service functions, and has used this site continuously since 1969 or earlier. The site is capable of handling a significant number of people on a short term basis. There is electricity at the site, and a 142' deep well provides water for users. A 1,200 s.f. canopied pavilion prov ides a shaded picnic area, and two storage buildings house property maintenance equipment. The pavilion is less than 75' from the shoreline, but is a legal non-conforming structure, with a building permit approved by the Council in 1972. The 12 seasonal docks at the site are stored on the grounds in winter. There is a permanent dock at the rear of the property also used on a transient basis. Area-to-User Ratio The Power Squadron historically has had 250-350 family-unit members, and did so prior to the 1983 ordinance. Their use of the site on a number of occasions in any given year exceeds the limit of 20 users per acre we would impose on any new user applying for a CUP. As many as 200-300 or more persons have successfully used the site at one time. A number of factors may suggest that the City should not strictly limit the use of the site to 150 persons: • This level of use pre-dates adoption of the RS ordinance. Power Squadron is not a new user. • All adjacent land is owned by Hennepin Parks and is not available for purchase, hence there is no expectation that the site can be expanded to meet the 1983 standard for more than 150 users. • Section 5.25 "Shows and Large Assemblies" Subd. 7 provides that incorporated non-profit organizations are exempt from the requirement to obtain a license for a gathering of more than 300 people. • Power Squadron does not want to be in a position of having to obtain 'permission' to do their normal and customary activities which may include more than 150 users. • Power Squadron has apparently done a good job of handling large crowds and has not created problems . Staff Recommendation The Power Squadron appears to the meet the requirements for a day use recreation area conditional use permit. The City has received no complaints regarding this use of the property.