Laserfiche WebLink
A variance may be granted by the board only if it finds that: <br />The variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance <br />After reviewing the criteria for Accessory Dwelling units (ADU) in Chapter 30 of the Municipal <br />Code and consulting with Chris Leeseberg, Sr. Planner with the City of Elk River, we feel that our <br />variance requests would improve the appearance of our property and would not permit a structure <br />that appears inconsistent with the Municipal Codes and goals defined therein. <br />The variance is consistent with the City of Elk River Comprehensive Plan (discuss with city staff if <br />needed) <br />When considering if we meet these criteria, I have reviewed the Elk River Comprehensive Plan <br />available online and feel we are in alignment with the plan. <br /> <br />Our property is currently zoned as R-1a and is defined as follows “This district is intended for <br />primarily rural residential with accessory agricultural uses where conditions are suitable”. In the <br />Targeted Urban Service Area Expansion portion of the plan beginning on page 26, our property <br />moves to an R-1b, defined as follows, “This district is intended for low density single-family <br />residential development. Subdivisions utilize on-site sewage disposal systems and private water wells. <br />Density in this district is limited to one single-family residence per gross acre.” <br /> <br />If our requests for variance are approved, we will continue to be in alignment with the plan and not <br />create an appearance of inconsistency as the city’s targeted Urban Service Area Expansion takes <br />shape. <br />Variances may be granted when the petitioner establishes that there are practical difficulties <br />in complying with the zoning ordinance. Practical difficulties means that: <br />After reviewing both applicable Elk River Municipal Codes and the relevant portions of the City of <br />Elk River comprehensive plan, we feel that both of our requests for variance contained in this <br />narrative, propose to use our property in a reasonable manner. <br /> <br />In relation the ADU portion of our request, while we will exceed the square footage limit for ADUs <br />by approximately 600 square feet, it is a result of efficient use of space and will not be noticeable to <br />neighbors or passersby. <br /> <br />We desire to exceed the physical footprint restrictions by approximately 148 square feet, which adds <br />3 linear feet to the length of the building. We feel that this small increase to the total size of the <br />structure would not create a building size that would be noticeably different from others in our <br />neighborhood and would at the same time dramatically improve the visual appearance of our <br />property and our ability to store items indoors. <br />The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning <br />ordinance <br />Page 11 of 52