4.3.b. PCSR 09-22-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River Municipal Utilities, Elk River, MN August 31, 2020 ERMU18001 6 1. The variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance. The variance to allow an increased impervious surface is in harmony with the general intent of the ordinance. The city code does not have a different regulation for impervious surface of a commercial, industrial or public use within the shoreland overlay and simply restricts all sites to 25% impervious coverage. The site exists today with 43% impervious surface and we are incorporating additional stormwater management methods on the site to account for the additional impervious surface proposed. We believe this meets the intent of the ordinance to protect Elk River from additional stormwater and pollution impacts. The variance to allow a reduced number of parking stalls is in harmony with the general intent of the ordinance. The ERMU site is unlike most other sites with most of the building space being used for vehicle storage, with a smaller portion being used for office space. Given the number employees working on the site and the minimal number of guests at this location we believe 45 parking spaces to be sufficient for ERMU’s needs. Additionally, adding greater parking would increase the impervious surface on the site which we are trying to avoid. The variance to allow a reduced parking setback meets the general intent of the ordinance. The current parking setback section restricts a nonresidential use in a single-family district to the same requirements as the business park district. We have met the intent of the ordinance by locating parking spaces outside of the setback with all spaces facing towards the interior of the site but are unable to have drive aisle located out of the parking setback given the location of the existing building. We believe this meets the intent of the ordinance to have parking not placed or oriented too close to a pedestrian area. 2. The variance is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan. The variances are consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan because they allow ERMU to expand within the existing site. ERMU provides all water service to Elk River, which is a necessity for the community. ERMU has also been implementing additional measures to conserve water where possible and to reduce environmental concerns, which will be aided by the expansion. 3. The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance; We are proposing to continue the existing use of the property as a government facility which is a permitted conditional use for the R-1c zoning district. The proposed variances allow ERMU to expand from the existing structures and make needed improvements to the site to allow smooth operations and continued growth. 4. The plight of the petitioner is due to circumstances unique to the property not a consequence of the petition's own action or inaction; and The variance requests are due to the existing buildings and site layout and the code restrictions that have been put in place since the property was initially developed. This site is unique in that it is restricted by shoreland overlay standards that are catered towards residential lots you typically find near a lake. The combination of these circumstances creates a unique property. 5. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.