5.2. BASR 09-25-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Re: Variance Application Property Address: 9607 201st Ave NW Elk River, MN 55330 Property Owners: Jacob Bernier & Christine Bernier Date: August 14th, 2018 Dear Board of Adjustment and City Council, We are applying for a variance to build a screen porch/deck off the back of our single-family house in Elk River, MN. We own our home at 9607 201st Ave NW and are the petitioners of this variance. The back of our home faces the north side of West Twin Lake, and we would like to build a porch/deck to enjoy the wildlife in our yard and the view of the lake. If the variance is granted, we will not violate any part of the written condition. We understand that the variance shall become void within two years following issuance unless substantial action has been taken by the petitioner in reliance thereon. The variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance. Our single-family home is in the city of Elk River in a residential area. We would like to build the screen porch/deck facing the lake from the back of our home. The city ordinance currently is that a variance needs to be granted to build within 150ft of a lake. We would ensure the safety of ourselves and visitors when they are utilizing the porch & deck. We will not be disturbing any lakefront area or other wildlife areas to build the porch & deck. The variance is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan. Building a porch/deck off our home overlooking West Twin Lake would maintain a distinct identity. It contributes to a stronger neighborhood and may bring our neighbors closer due to a shared enjoyment of the wildlife and lake view. Our contractor will follow all proper maintenance and building guidelines to ensure safety of the porch/deck, and we will ensure the safety of our family, neighbors, and friends who may use the porch/deck over the course of time. We will be preserving and maintaining the environment, as our plans for the porch & deck do not require any trees or other wildlife areas to be disturbed. The porch/deck will help to make our family home feel more complete, therefore contributing to the overall goal of the city of Elk River feeling complete. We, the petitioner, propose to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance. Due to the ordinance of not building a structure within 150ft of a lake, we are applying for the variance to use our property in a reasonable manner. Our single-family home overlooks the beautiful north side of West Twin Lake, and we would like to enjoy the view of the lake and the wildlife in our backyard by building a porch/deck off the back of our home. The plight of the petitioner is due to the circumstances unique to the property not a consequence of the petition’s own action or inaction. We purchased our home in December 2017. The kitchen is already equipped with sliding glass doors and is ready for the addition of a porch/deck. Upon working with a contractor to begin our porch/deck project, we learned of the city ordinance requiring a variance application when building a structure within 150ft of a lake.