5.3. BASR 09-22-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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and response requirements are 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. The public safety building abuts the parking area for the fair grounds to the west and the additional drive lane along the west lot line will not alter the essential character of the locality. Impervious Surface Variance The city is requesting a deviation from the current hardcover limit of 25%within the shoreland overlay district for Lake Orono. The variance is: 1. Is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance,and The intent of the ordinance is to reduce runoff and pollution in critical waterbodies. The actual increase to the hardcover associated with the public safety building is relatively small as much of the area is already paved. The city will follow all stormwater treatment standards for the project and will not increase runoff to Lake Orono. 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 proposed expansions to the facility are required to improve the safety for the city's firefighters, provide additional training areas for both police and fire as a result of changing standards, and allows for the storage of critical police equipment indoors and in a secure location. These changes increase hardcover,but the design has made every effort to minimize new hardcover. The use is reasonable,but 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 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. Relocating the facility is not feasible as the location and response requirements are 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. The additional hard cover will not alter the essential character of the locality.