5.7 PCSR 02-28-1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

l , Memo to the Planning Commission Page 2 February 28, 1995 • The second variance involves a setback issue with the eastern edge of the new parking area. Once again, this parking area encroaches approximately 2 - 5 feet within the setback requirement. The unique situation that justifies this variance request is that a wetland area exists immediately to the east and acts as a buffer between the parking lot and any neighboring activity. Secondly, the administrative subdivision of the land to divide the ice arena complex from the high school buildings involved a line immediately west of the existing wetland. This lot line has been created for ownership purposes of the ice arena and is not necessarily important for setback purposes. As described in the conditional use permit application, the ice arena and school district are acting together and complement one another as an entire campus. Therefore, although there may be interior lot lines similar to the property lines separating the ice arena from the school, the real setback concerns should be focused to the perimeter of the entire campus. The joint parking and interior landscaping provisions provide unique situations and have been designed to meet the intent of setback requirements. Recommendation • It is recommended that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the variance request by the City of Elk River based on the following findings: 1. The variance is an extension of an existing condition. 2. The variance is minimized by reducing the driveway width as much as possible and establishing a buffer of landscaping. 3. The campus setting of the ice complex and high school is a unique situation whereby shared parking and property lines for ownership purposes exist. 4. The encroachment of the parking area into the setback will not be detrimental to surrounding properties nor create a public safety concern. • s:planning:pc:v95-02