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7-6-21 Variance Request PID# 75-401-0151 <br />This variance is requested for the extension of an existing <br />parking lot. <br />This narrative is intended to explain the request, in detail, <br />showing 5 separate criteria as to why the variance should be <br />granted. <br />1. This variance request is in harmony with the general <br />purpose and intent of the ordinance. As required by new <br />construction code for parking spots required for buildings <br />with and without on street available parking. <br />2. The variance is consistent with the city of Elk River's <br />comprehensive plan by making Main Street safer for both <br />drivers and pedestrians. <br />3. This petition proposes to use the property in a reasonable <br />manner not normally permitted by the zoning ordinance <br />4. This petition is asked for due to circumstances unique to <br />the property and is not a consequence of the petitioners <br />own action or inaction. <br />5. The variance, if granted will not alter the essential character <br />of the locality. <br />History <br />When I built the building on said property it met all <br />building and set back requirements as of the time that the <br />building permit was issued. Because, at that time, public <br />parking was permitted on Main Street in front of the <br />building fewer parking stalls were required on the <br />premises. Once the building was completed I was notified <br />that Main Street was ending the allowed parking on Main <br />Street while they added a third center lane for right and left <br />hand turns. <br />With this in mind our parking lot almost immediately <br />became obsolete as far having enough parking available for <br />the customers and employees that would come and go from <br />the premises. <br />One can see that when this happened it was not a problem <br />created by the petitioner. <br />We have had difficulty finding enough safe parking for <br />many years. At one time we had arrangements with the <br />owners of the property to west for overflow parking and <br />others would park across Main Street where it was allowed. <br />I have received reports of one employee slipping and <br />falling crossing the street while another said she had almost <br />