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5. The variance,if granted,will not alter the essential character of the locality. <br /> Construction of the fire station will alter the character of the locality, but the proposal for wider <br /> driveways will not alter the essential character of the locality. The use is permitted within the River <br /> Park PUD,which was approved by the City Council. A fire station is also an allowed use within the <br /> urban residential land use designation. <br /> Drive Aisle Setback Variance <br /> The city is requesting a deviation from the ordinance limit of two-driveways per parcel. <br /> Variances may be granted when the petitioner establishes that the variance satisfies all five of the criteria <br /> described below. The variance is: <br /> 1. Is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance,and <br /> The intent of the ordinance is to limit the number of curb-cuts to ensure,in part, snow storage, <br /> parking along public streets, and utility placements. Two of the curb-cuts are located along the <br /> driveway to Twin Lakes Elementary School, and the remaining two are on city streets. The Sherburn <br /> County and City of Elk River Public Works departments are comfortable with the proposed <br /> driveway locations. <br /> 2. Is consistent with the City of Elk River Comprehensive Plan. <br /> The property is guided for Public/Institutional uses and the proposed construction of a new fire <br /> station is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. <br /> Variances may be granted when the petitioner establishes that there are practical difficulties in complying <br /> with the zoning ordinance. Practical difficulties mean that: <br /> 3. The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning <br /> ordinance; <br /> The additional driveways facilitate quick and efficient ingress/egress for emergency vehicles and <br /> separates general fire station traffic/parking. Ensuring fire trucks can exit efficiently during an <br /> emergency is a reasonable use of the site not permitted by the zoning ordinance. <br /> 4. The plight of the petitioner is due to circumstances unique to the property not a consequence of the <br /> petition's own action or inaction; and <br /> The fire station location was determined by an extensive study by the city's fire department. This <br /> location is the best parcel to ensure the continuation of reliable fire service in the north-east portion <br /> of the city as the area continues to see increased residential growth. <br /> 5. The variance,if granted,will not alter the essential character of the locality. <br /> Construction of the fire station will alter the character of the locality, but the proposal for two <br /> additional driveways will not alter the essential character of the locality. The use is permitted within <br /> the River Park PUD,which was approved by the City Council. A fire station is also an allowed use <br /> within the urban residential land use designation. <br /> Staff s analysis of the two variance requests shows compliance with the standards required for approval <br /> and recommends the Board of Adjustments approve both requests. <br /> Financial Impact <br /> None <br />