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Wetland Variance Narrative Gayle and Chris Murray 19262 Ogden St NW Elk River, MN 553330 We are requesting a variance on our property to put a negative fill 8" wide crossing through the south side of the wet land. This will allow an access lane to move from the front of the back property to the back side of the back property allowing us to use the back side of that piece of our property without traveling through the wetland so as not to disturb the vegetation and possibly create issues with in the wetland itself. This would require 2,160 square feet of fill. We are requesting to put a fence on both sides of the south side negative fill as well as the north side of the wetland to insure the integrity and stability of the wetland only allowing needed access when necessary, thus maintaining the integrity of the wetland area and its vegetation, causing no damage and minimizing access. This project would include a 25 foot wide vegetated filter strip on both sides of the wetland to minimize the adverse effects of the fill on the wetland to help keep it in compliance with all codes. We are working with Bill at the Soil and Water Conservation District to help accomplish this goal. This project has been approved by the county at this point, the application has been submitted. The wetland outlets to a county the line that drains to the Elk River. Excluding un-necessary travel and limiting the travel to one area from the front side of the back property to the back side of the back property as well as the actual wetland itself, establishing a filter strip will improve water quality by reducing usage and sediment entering the wetland and the tile. (1) The variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance. This project will protect the wetland from un-necessary crossings through the wetland limiting the crossings to the one safe area. Giving a safe, passable crossing to the back side of the back property that will minimize any damage by not having to go directly through the wetlands. Helping to maintain the vegetation and protect the quality of the water in a manner that complies to all codes. (2) The variance is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan. This property today is a proposed residential use property in the comprehensive plan and is consistent with the city of Elk River and should be maintained as a residential property in the future, Through this variance, we are asking for it to remain residential. (3) The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance; This request is not excessive and is within the zoning ordinance of Elk River. We are asking for an increase of fencing and fill on the south side to give the least amount of impact by the horses on the wetlands and maintaining accurate zoning rules, as the zoning code allows for horses. So as to allow safe travel from the front side of the back property to the back side of the back property without going directly through the wetland, maintaining the integrity of the vegetation and water. We are requesting two fences on the south side fill (on each side of the south side fill) as well as one fence on the north side of the wetland.