Laserfiche WebLink
<br />1. Is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance, and <br /> <br />Applicants’ response: The variance is in harmony with the setback requirements with minimal adjustment (152' per lot <br />in place of the required 160'). <br /> <br />Minimum lot widths are to control the density and type of development in each zoning district. This ensures <br />that buildings are placed on lots that are appropriately sized for their intended use and spaced adequately <br />from other buildings. The lot that the variance will be applied to will likely be utilized as right-of-way in the <br />future and at that time, the reduced lot width will become moot. The adjustment from 160 feet to 135 feet is <br />minimal and will still result in a parcel of sufficient size and functionality, which is the intent. <br />2. Is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan. <br /> <br />Applicants’ response: It meets the lot requirement size and future growth plan. <br /> <br />The property is guided as Rural Residential. The rural residential category consists of large lot single family <br />homes. This is the predominant residential type in the north of the city beyond the Urban Service Area. This <br />land use primarily consists of planned residential subdivisions and lots located directly on arterial roadways. <br />This land use supports large lot residential development and allows agricultural operations as an accessory use <br />where appropriate. <br /> <br />The proposed subdivision is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, which identifies this area for residential <br />growth. The resulting lot sizes remain consistent with the intent of the plan. <br /> <br />Variances may be granted when the petitioner establishes that there are practical difficulties in complying with <br />the zoning ordinance. Practical difficulties means that: <br />3. The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning <br />ordinance; <br /> <br />Applicants’ response: Yes. Our intent is to subdivide or split into two separate parcels which follows the subdivision <br />policy. <br /> <br />Subdividing the parcel into two residential lots is a reasonable use of the property. Without the variance, the <br />applicant would be unable to create a conforming lot despite the parcel having adequate area (approximately <br />55-60 acres). <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 /> <br />Applicants’ response: Yes. The land was purchased as is. <br /> <br />The practical difficulty is due to the geometric constraints of the subject parcel at the cul-de-sac and setback <br />measurement standards. These are unique to the property and not created by the applicant. <br />5. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. <br /> <br />Applicants’ response: The essential character of the locality would not be altered by the requested lot width variance of <br />Page 30 of 84