4.2 BASR 08-22-2017 DRAFT MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Board of Adjustments Minutes Page 2 July 25,2017 3. The proposed use is reasonable and is permitted in the zoning ordinance. 4. The plight of the petitioner is due to circumstances unique to the property not a consequence of the petitioners own action or inaction. 5. The variance will not alter the essential character of the locality. Motion carried 6-0. 4.2 Emmanuel Lutheran Church/John Norgren — 1 506 Main Street NW • Variance to exceed the maximum allowable impervious surface area; and Variance to allow existing structures to remain in the Elk River/Lake Orono Drainage District, Case No. V I7-04 The staff report was presented by Chris Leeseberg. Staff recommended approval of the request with the findings and conditions listed in the staff report. Commissioner Rydberg asked staff to describe what a rain garden is. Mr. Leeseberg explained that a rain garden is engineered to collect runoff from the paved surfaces and treat it in the garden, keeping the water on the property longer. Commissioner Rydberg asked how it is constructed. Mr. Leeseberg explained. Commissioner Rydberg asked if the applicant had any issues with the rain garden. Mr. Leeseberg stated he has not expressed any concerns,but that a representative from church was present to speak. Chair Johnson opened the public hearing. John Norgren, Chairman of the trustees for Emmanuel Lutheran Church—he stated that a new storm sewer system was put in about 10 years ago. He stated that it would not be possible to direct water toward the area that staff was recommending for the rain garden due to the slopes. Mr. Norgren pointed out the only possible location for a rain garden. He stated that the building will have gutters which will drain toward the west. He stated that they have had no problems with runoff onto Main Street or 5th Street. Wayne Becklin, 1516 5th Street—stated he is against the construction of a storage building location because it will be directly across the street from him and he will have to look at it. He stated he believes there are other options. Susan Blomquist, 1522 5t'—stated she says "ditto" to everything Mr. Becklin said. Mr. Norgren stated the building will have 10-foot sidewalls which is the same as a residential garage and will not stand out. He noted that the building will blend in with the back of the church. He stated that location was chosen for two reasons;one,it is close to the electrical connection;and two, they will be using the building for storage of items that they will use in the church on a consistent basis. He stated that the current storage building is 150 feet away from the church. Mr. Norgren explained that if the structure were built to the east as suggested by Mr. Becklin, they will not have electrical available and would require removing critical parking spaces. There being no further public comment, Chair Johnson closed the public hearing.