4.2 BASR 07-25-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The applicant is seeking a variance to exceed the allowed amount of impervious surfacing by 34% for the Property. Assuming approval of the Simple Plat (P 17 -11), this will result in two variances, one for each parcel. The applicant has applied for a Simple Plat (P 17 -11) to combine four parcels into two parcels. This will remove the various property lines that exist over the church campus and allow the church to construct an accessory structure for general storage. The plat will place the church and its accessory uses on one parcel and the parsonage and its accessory uses on the second parcel. The majority of the Property currently contains impervious surfaces, including the church, parsonage, garage, sidewalks, and large parking areas, which exceeds the required 25% maximum hardcover for parcels within the Shoreland District. This area of Elk River is approximately 35' above ordinary high water for the Elk River and stormwater management has not been an issue in the past for this site. The city's Environmental Coordinator has reviewed this request and is supportive of an additional accessory structure and the variances, but recommends requiring rain gardens in the parking lot as a condition of the variance to help with stormwater management. Applicable Regulation (The applicant's responses are italicized with staffs notes after.) Variances may be granted when the petitioner establishes that the variance satisfies all five of the criteria described below. The variance is: 1. Is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance, and Wle feel the variances would be in barmony witb the general pitipose and intent of the ordinances due to no cbanges are being made to impact the surrounding parcels or roadways. No additional drainage is being created to impact the Drainage District. The intent of the Shoreland Management Area is to reduce the amount of impervious surface on properties near lakes and rivers to limit the contributing of pollutants to public waters. The subject parcels are on the edge of this area, with approximately half of the Property being outside of area. The Property already exceeds the impervious surface limit, and has for many years. Due to the distance from and the height above the Elk River, the general purpose and intent of the ordinance are met. 2. Is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan. ile feel that the proposed "Simple Plat" would be complying witb the City of Elk Diver's comprebensive plan. ire are reducing the number of lots of record from 4 to 2. The property is guided for residential uses where institutional uses (churches) are allowed. The City of Elk River's vision includes recognition of the area's natural beauty and seeks to promote clean air and water and blend the built and natural environments. Because this is an existing build environmental, requiring rain garden(s) will be a measure to improving water quality from the site. The request is consistent with the comprehensive plan. Variances may be granted when the petitioner establishes that there are practical difficulties in complying with the zoning ordinance. Practical difficulties means that: N: \Departments \Community Development \Planning \Case Files \V\V 17 -04 John Norgren \4 -Board of Adjustments \V 17 -04 sr PC 7- 25- 17.docx