6.8. SR 04-20-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Arthur L. and Deborah S. Johnson )956-153rd Ave. N.W. Elk River, MN 44330-6201 To whom it may concern: We would like to build a 24 ft. x 30 ft. garage on the northern portion of our lot located at the above address. We would like to build this garage on a location that is set between the existing heads of our sprinkling system. The northern edge of the garage would be approximately 26 feet from the edge of the roadway. The garage would be somewhat concealed by eleven large pine trees and two maple trees that are growing on the N.W. portion of our lot. The garage will be built on what is now the eastern edge of our vegetable garden. This location would also allow us to continue to have a garden in the area that is west of the garage. The garden would receive sun exposure from the south and west while still being serviced by the existing sprinkler heads. The major reason for the request for the variance however, is to keep the garage out of the front yard as much as possible. Our house and existing garage is on a rather steep incline from the .~ad (153rd Avenue). As a matter of fact, the floor of the garage is approximately five feet higher than the road. The closer the garage would be moved to the house, the higher up the incline it would move and the more obtrusive it would become. By moving the projected garage up the hill, it would also become more within the line of vision of my neighbors to the west (Buelows and Burkes). As it is moved up the hill, it also becomes more observable from the east as it is not concealed by the trees. The projected garage located 26 feet from the road would also be consistent in distance from the road with structures owned by the Buelows and Mr. Burke. Mr. Burke has a storage shed that is located approximately nine feet from the road and the corner of Buelows house is located approximately 27 feet from the road as it ends at the northwest corner of Mr. Burke's property. It should also be pointed out that Burkes and Buelows are the only two residences that use the road as it goes past our house. In some ways the roadway is more comparable to an alley. This is the second time we have sought a variance to build this garage. On October 28, 1997 I appeared before the Elk River Planning Commission to request a twenty three foot variance to the front setback of our property to build a garage. I presented to you the information that is outlined in le memorandum prepared by Brady Halversen, planning intern. Once we completed our request and answered a couple of questions, the public hearing portion ended and the Planning Commission discussed the situation and made the decision to deny