5.1 PCSR 06-23-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Narrative for 10205 2015` Ave NW, Elk River, MN Terrence (Terry) Nowak 763 - 744 -8833 B.1 Variance harmony with general purpose and intent of the ordinance. • Per the ordinance, I am allowed (2) accessory buildings on this 25 acre property. I am asking for a variance to allow for a 3rd accessory building. • My plans for this 3rd accessory building is to use it for storage and repair work on my collection of historical farm tractors, implements and small construction equipment. My plan is to use this equipment to grow crops on —5 acres of this 25 acre parcel along with supporting my plan of getting some livestock (beef cattle, chickens, etc.) at a certain point. • The existing (2) accessory buildings are in good repair and structurally sound. Therefore, I would not want to tear them down to be in compliance the ordinance. • The 30'x 50' pole building would be used long term to house the animals. • The 24' x 24' detached garage would be used long term to house some of my collection. • With adding the 3rd accessory building, the square footage of all the accessory buildings will be approx. 10800 ft ^2 (32% less than maximum allowed). B.2 Variance is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan • Per the ordinance, this area Is zoned R1A (R -1a district. The rural residential district is intended to allow for a rural lifestyle by permitting low density residential development in areas that are marginal or non - feasible for agriculture. The R -1a district is intended to be primarily a residential district, but may also accommodate agriculture - related and accessory uses. This is the general area of the city which is not primarily suited to farming due to soil conditions, slope, tree cover, and other physical features better suited for non -farm housing and related accessory uses.) As I Interpret this definition, my plans for this 3rd accessory building seem to align with the R1A designation. C.1 Difficulties in complying: Petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance. • With 25 acres and with the small footprint of the two current accessory buildings (2076 ft " 2), 1 believe that adding this additional 3rd accessory building will not make the property look too congested or over built. C.2 Circumstances unique to the property and not a consequence of petitioner's own action or inaction. • 1 purchased the property in July 2014 under the belief that the property was zoned 101 -Ag (per the county's Beacon Property Search website) and in researching that with the county, it I was clear to me that I had complete freedom to build any buildings. • Since purchasing the property, I have unknowingly brought it into compliance with the city ordinance. The following structures were removed: (1) 12' x 50' mobile home, (4) —30'x 100'greenhouses and a 6' x 12' small shed. C.3 Variance if granted will not alter the essential character of the locality. • 1 think adding the shed I am proposing doesn't deter from the character of the area because: o The property as recently as Aug 2014 had (6) other accessory structures that I have since dismantled and disposed of properly. • Parcel 75- 124 -3110 to my east of my parcel has 12.5 acres and (4) accessory buildings. • Parcel 75- 124 -3105 to the southeast of my parcel has 24 acres and (3) accessory buildings