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{ c‘( of � Item # 7.1- Jl� • MEMORANDUM River TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Scott Harlicker, Senior Planne / i DATE: July 19, 1999 SUBJECT: Possible Amendment to Subdivision Ordinance The Mayor, on behalf of Arnold and Margret Barsody, has requested that staff research a possible amendment to the subdivision ordinance to allow them to split off a 2.5 acre lot in the Agricultural District (10 acre minimum lot size). The Barsodys own an 11.5 acre parcel on Brook Road (County Road 21) and would like to subdivide the property into a 2.5 acre lot and a 9 acre lot. The • 2.5 acre lot would be used as a homestead for their daughter and the 9 acre parcel would contain the existing home and accessory buildings. The minimum lot size in this district is 10 acres unless the property is developed under the 4 lots per 40 acres density option. The density option allows smaller lots, down to 2.5 acre minimum, provided the density of the plat does not exceed 4 lots per 40 acres. However, the Barsodys do not have adequate acreage to qualify for the density option. The minimum parcel size needed to qualify for this option is 20 acres. The Barsodys could apply for a variance to the minimum lot size. However, variances are difficult to grant and would require, among other things, the applicant to show the literal enforcement of the ordinance would cause undo hardship. Staff would also likely recommend denial of any variance request as it is inconsistent with both the intent of the agricultural district and the City's Comprehensive Plan. Action Requested Staff is seeking feedback from the Council regarding this request. The Barsodys have not made a formal request and staff would like some direction from the Council prior to accepting the Barsodys application and application • fee. S:\PLANNING\SCOTT\BARSODY.DO C 13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • TDD &Phone: (612)441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425