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Council requires final site drawing before approving Federated Co‑op zero‑setback variance
Summary
Planning staff briefed the council on a Federated Co‑op request for a zero‑foot rear‑yard setback; council members expressed concern about a silo and a slab that partly encroach on railroad property and voted to require a final site drawing certifying the building sits on private land before approving the variance.
Pine City — Councilors on Tuesday conditioned approval of a rear‑yard setback variance for Federated Co‑op on receipt of a final site drawing showing the proposed structure is on private property and not on railroad right‑of‑way.
Planning staff said the property at 325 3rd Street SE is zoned TI1 (Limited Technology Industrial) and that the proposed building would be placed on existing gravel without increasing impervious coverage. The planning commission recommended approval because moving the structure east to meet the standard setback would reduce truck maneuvering space to an unsafe 22 feet.
Council and staff reported survey and title issues: a silo and a cement slab currently encroach over what the railroad says is its property, and there is no recorded easement or title evidence allowing that use. Council members said the railroad’s communications—which staff summarized as an objection to building on railroad property—must be reconciled before the city will grant a variance that could rely on an assumed easement.
Building‑code and public‑safety input came from Rum River Consultants’ contracted building official, Andy Schrader, who explained that while a storage roof/lean‑to may not require architectural or structural sealed drawings, a licensed surveyor must stake and certify the site location. Schrader said the survey provided (by Atlas Land Survey) shows monumented corners and staking that would allow staff to verify the line.
On a motion from Councilor Dave and a second from Councilor Kyle, the council required a final site drawing and survey certification proving the building will be placed on private property and not on railroad property; the motion passed on a voice vote.
What comes next: staff will require the applicant to provide the final site drawing and surveyor certification prior to council approval of the variance; if railway ownership or easement issues remain, the council said it will not authorize use of railroad property.
