5.3. BASR 09-22-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3. The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance; Expansion of the fire station garage to allow for additional training and administrative space. The addition will improve emergency response and help protect the health and welfare of the city's firefighters. Requirements for decontamination of equipment and PPE are strict and require large specialized equipment,pushing the building addition further south. 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;and The location of a public safety building,police, and fire station is unique as it is based on response times for emergencies. The addition is needed to accommodate changing standards for hygiene and cleanliness, and it is not feasible to relocate the entire facility to a new location. This is unique to the property and not a consequence of the petitioner's own action or inaction. 5. The variance,if granted,will not alter the essential character of the locality. Since there are no nearby buildings that establish a consistent setback line that would make an encroachment seem out of place,and as the proposed addition echoes the existing architectural character, similar to the library across Orono Parkway,we believe that granting the variance will not alter the character of the locality. Drive Aisle Setback Variance The city is requesting a 6-foot deviation from the required 10-foot drive aisle 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 buffer parking and drive aisles from adjacent uses and provide areas for utilities and stormwater drainage. In this case the existing drive aisle already encroaches in the setback for 530 feet along the west lot line,and the addition would increase that by 70 feet. The change will not impact the buffering or utility/stormwater treatment ability of the area. 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: 3. The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance; The existing drive-lane currently encroaches by the same distance along nearly the entire western lot line. Extending the drive lane, at the same setback, to allow for an expansion to the police garage is a reasonable use of the property not permitted by the zoning ordinance. 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 location of a public safety building,police, and fire station is unique as it is based on response times for emergencies. The addition is needed to ensure police vehicles are secure, and that newer technologies being added to police cars can be stored inside during the winter months. The location