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Explanation for Request for Variance <br /> David L. Tollefson <br /> <br />Our family settled in Elk River because of the appeal of open country living on a lot with a <br />view of surrounding wet lands. By following the existing setback ordinance, we could not <br />put a garage where we would like to, because the garage would be too close to the house, <br />making it appear cluttered and squeezed in. <br /> <br />We are requesting a five foot setback from the side of the property line. This would give a <br />more appealing "curb appeal" and would fall in very nicely with a line of existing trees on <br />our lot. <br /> <br />The alternative of putting a garage in back of the power lines would create a need for an <br />extremely long driveway. Winter snow removal makes this option unfeasible, and having <br />the garage out back would not look as attractive. <br /> <br />The land owners adjacent to ours do not use the portion of the lot from the open ditch to <br />our lot, because that portion is not easily accessible to them (they have to access it from <br />the road). We had inquired into buying that portion of their land, but because of the costs <br />involved, decided against it. However, they have no objection with a structure close to <br />the property line. <br /> <br />Because of the possible 60 day application process and full schedule of contractors, the <br />earliest that building could occur would be next spring. <br /> <br /> <br />