Board of Adjustments Packet for February 25, 2025

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The intent of the city's setback requirement is to maintain a consistent appearance within neighborhoods. Our home is on a cul-de-sac and has large expansive areas between neighboring dwellings. This currently allows for a pleasant view regardless of uniformity. The purpose of front yard setbacks is to prevent buildings from being constructed too close to the street, thereby maintaining a visually cohesive and attractive streetscape. Since the property is located at the end of a cul-de-sac, any deviation from this uniformity may not be readily apparent. The request aligns with the general purpose and intent of the regulation. 2. Is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan. We're committed to ensuring the garage is aesthetically pleasing and consistent with the neighborhood's character, including additional boulder landscaping to integrate it into the surroundings. The property is guided as Traditional Single-Family Residential, where houses and accessory structures are anticipated. The proposal aligns with the goals of the comprehensive plan. Variances may be granted when the petitioner establishes that there are practical difficulties in complying with the zoning ordinance. Practical difficulties means that: 3. The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance; The front most post to the 120 sq ft patio (the lean-to) on the street side of the garage will be positioned 20 feet from the property line (10 ft inside the set back), which allows us to protect the environment and save on significant grading costs. It should be noted that the proposed front left corner of the 936 sq ft structure, not the lean-to, will be no more than 3 feet into the set back line. The petitioner is requesting to build an accessory structure beyond the required setback to preserve several mature trees on the property and minimize the necessary grading. This proposal represents a reasonable use of the property that is not permitted under the current 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 current proposed location for the garage requires minimal grading of an existing hill, preserving the natural topography and existing mature trees. Meeting the standard setback would necessitate extensive hill grading leading to significant increased costs, engineered boulder retaining walls and the unnecessary removal of numerous trees, which would significantly impact the natural beauty and ecosystem of the property. The property’s unique characteristics include steep grades and mature trees. Meeting the setback requirements would necessitate significant grading and the removal of several trees. 5. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. Granting this variance is not only a cost-effective solution but also an environmentally responsible decision. Our home is situated on a cul-de-sac with homes that are not closely adjacent to one another, which means our garage will not disrupt the visual harmony or proximity that the setback rule intends to preserve. It supports our commitment to sustainability and community values. We're dedicated to complying with all other zoning and building codes to enhance Page 7 of 14