CU24-043 HO Decision - Laserfiche WebLink

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Applicant's proposed location would site the dwelling and accessory structure near the north and east property lines. Along most of the property line with the farm parcel to the north is a woodlot that does not appear to be planted as part of a timber harvesting purpose. This provides adequate buffering from the main farm dwelling and structures on the bordering northern parcel. However, the woodlot does not extend the full distance of the northern property line. The eastern 130 feet of the northern property line is a field and the full extent of the east property line of the subject parcel is a commercial farm field planted in grass or grain. There are other locations within the parcel that are farther away from neighboring farm parcels than the proposed location. Placing non -farm dwellings and accessory structures closer than 100 feet to neighboring farm fields impacts the farm operations through increased costs related to the application of chemical sprays and fertilizer —which is standard practice for commercial agriculture. Applicant originally proposed dwelling setback 96 feet from the northern property line and 55 feet from the eastern property line. Applicant originally proposed that the shop be placed 35 feet from the eastern property line and 96 feet from the northern property line. Applicant provided an updated proposal and has reoriented the buildings so that the shop is located 96 feet from the northern property line and 100 feet from the eastern property line. Applicant now proposes that the dwelling be located more than 200 feet from the northern setback and approximately 100 feet from the eastern property line. Applicant's reconfiguration reduces the need for the adjustment to the setbacks to four (4) feet for the encroachment of the shop into the norther property line setback and to 100 feet for the dwelling from the eastern property line. There is no restriction on the placement of the septic systems or drainage fields within the setbacks, so the improvements will otherwise comply with the Code. Applicant has cleared the Property of invasive species and cleaning up the derelict outbuildings. In the event that Applicant is not able to develop the property with the Improvements, this property does not have a viable use within the EFU zone. Applicant's proposal, as revised, places the maximum amount of space between the Improvements and the neighboring farm operations as is possible while also complying with the setbacks along the western property line and the constraints on the development of the septic system on this particular property. Applicant's revised site places the least amount of impact on the adjacent farm operations possible given the area needed for the development of a septic system, the slopes, location of the creek and its associated setbacks, and neighboring land uses. The orientation of the buildings will provide some additional buffering for the residential use on the property and the Applicant is willing to install vegetative screening to the existing fencing to further buffer the dwelling from the adjacent farm uses. Applicant indicates a willingness to comply with the County's requirement to develop a management plan for wildfire reduction, as a condition of approval. Because the subject property will be the Applicant's home, Applicant is incentivized to take actions that mitigate fire risk. CU 24-043 — ORDER MKI CONSTRUCTION, LLC Page 13