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Justin & Kim Werk <br />5.22.16 <br />Application for a Variance <br />(Variance Section A) <br />Dear Board of Adjustments, <br />I am writing this narrative so that my family will be granted permission to build a deck onto the <br />home we own located at 18681 Ulysses St NW. We purchased our home four years ago and instantly <br />knew that this was the home our family would remain in for the next 30 years. We are dedicated to <br />improving the property and would like to complete the home as it was intended by the original builders. <br />In 2006, when our home was built, the builder left a sliding door off the kitchen so that it would lead out <br />onto a deck. Ten years later that deck is still not built and the home looks and feels incomplete. Our <br />home was built 48 feet from the wetland area and we are requesting a variance so that we may build a <br />deck in its intended location. The deck we are proposing to build will be seven feet from the ground and <br />a total length of twenty four feet. At its completion, the deck will be more than 35 feet away from the <br />wetlands. <br />(Variance Section B) <br />We understand and appreciate the city's intent to protect our natural wetlands. Our family <br />enjoys the wildlife and vegetation the wetland offers to our backyard landscape. We have made upkeep <br />of the wetland a priority by removing any litter or debris that may be harmful to animals and the natural <br />environment. While building our deck we intend to protect the wetland by installing a staked debris <br />fence. We also plan to dig post holes using a motor driven hand auger instead of heavy equipment such <br />as a skid loader. <br />(Variance Section C and D) <br />In 2006 our home was built without the deck added. At that time the deck was intended to be <br />added off of the kitchen. When we took ownership of this home in 2012 we planned on building the <br />deck as soon as we could afford it. Our family has been saving and planning for this deck for the past <br />four years. Currently our home is 48 feet from the wetlands, as the city ordinance is written, our home <br />could not be built today in the same location as originally indented with a deck. Our entire block of <br />twelve homes is located closely to the wetlands. Most of our neighbors have already added decks to <br />their homes, we would like to complete our home with a deck as well. <br />Thank you so much for your consideration and all you do for keeping Elk River a great place to call home. <br />Justin & Kim Werk <br />