Board of Adjustments Packet - August 26, 2025

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The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity Request for Action To Board of Adjustments Item Number 5.2 Meeting Date August 26, 2025 Prepared By Zack Carlton, Community Development Director Item Description Variance: Minimum Lot Size, Gavin Hemmer - 13631 192 1/2 Ave NW Reviewed by Chris Leeseberg Action Requested Approve the variance request from Gavin Hemmer to support a subdivision of land with two lots below the 2.5 acre minimum lot size, as the following standards have been met: 1. The general purpose and intent of the ordinance are met. 2. The property has a land use guidance for residential, and the proposed single-family residential use is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. 3. The proposed use is reasonable and is permitted in 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. 5. The variance will not alter the essential character of the locality. Background/Discussion The applicant, Gavin Hemmer, recently purchased two adjacent lots within the city. He would like to subdivide the two existing lots into four buildable lots, the proposed plat of Prairie Haven. The subject sizes are zoned R-1a, single-family, with a minimum lot size of 2.5 acres. The proposal creates two lots which meet the minimum lot size standards, and two lots below the minimum lot size at 1.29 and 1.59 acres. The plat includes an unusually wide right-of-way, 166-feet at the widest vs. the typical width of 66-feet, limiting the minimum lot size for the two substandard lots. Applicable Regulations The variance standards are outlined below. The applicant's responses are noted in italics. A variance may be granted when the petitioner establishes that the variance satisfies all five of the criteria described below. The variance is: 1. Is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance, and The proposal preserves rural density, septic capacity, and access standards. While two lots are under 2.5 acres, both exceed 1 acre of upland, satisfying the development intent. 2. Is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan. The development is consistent with the plan's objectives for low density growth, housing diversity, and maintaining rural character while offering affordable residential options. It supports the city's goals of utilizing existing infrastructure Page 36 of 52