5.3. BASR 09-22-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Approve,by motion,the hardcover variance for the following reasons: 1. The general purpose and intent of the ordinance are met. 2. The property has a land use of Public/Institutional and the use is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. 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 petitioner's own action or inaction. 5. The variance will not alter the essential character of the locality. Background/Discussion The City of Elk River is proposing an expansion of their public safety building,police, and fire station,at 13065 Orono Parkway NW. The expansion will provide additional training and administrative space for the Fire Department,and additional garage and office space for the Police Department. These projects impact the setbacks and hard cover limitations outlined in the ordinance. The fire station expansion adds two garage bays south of the existing building, encroaching into the front yard setback from Orono Road. The setback in the R-1c zoning district is 30 feet,and the proposed building is 15 feet from the property line. The variance will allow construction of the additional garage bays and office space. The police station expansion adds additional garage space on the north side of the building and provides enough room for all police vehicles to be stored indoors. The addition of the garage space extends the existing drive lane along the west side of the building,which is already located within the required 10-foot setback. The variance will allow the extension of the existing drive lane with the same property line setback. Construction of the proposed additions and associated drive lanes will create additional hard cover. The city is also re-platting the parcel that includes the public safety building to accommodate an expansion to Orono Park. The proposed additions will comply with all city and state standards for stormwater treatment but will exceed the current hardcover limit of 25 percent. Applicable Regulation Front Yard Setback Variance The city is requesting a 15-foot deviation from the required 30-foot front yard setback. 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 The intent of the ordinance is to provide a consistent view along public streets and provide ample setbacks to accommodate parking in the front yard.There are not any additional structures in the area to compare the setback with and there is ample parking along the sides and rear of the building. 2. Is consistent with the City of Elk River Comprehensive Plan. The property is guided for Public/Institutional space and the proposed expansion to a public facility 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 mean that: