City Council Packet October 20, 2025

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Applicant’s Application, directed staff to prepare a resolution making findings of fact denying the Application as the request does not satisfy all standards required for issuance of a variance. NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Elk River makes the following: FINDINGS 1.The request exceeds the maximum ADU size of 600 square feet outlined in § 30-793 (c)and accessory structure area by 148 square feet outlined in § 30-1 “Accessory Dwelling Unit” (6). 2.The property can be reasonably used without exceeding ordinance limits. 3.The applicant’s situation is not unique but is based on garage design and economic preference. 4.Approval would conflict with the intent of the ordinance and weaken consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. 5.The variance, if granted, could alter the essential character of the locality. 6.City Code § 30-635 provides for analysis and findings required to be the grant of a variance. The Application and proposed structures do not meet all required findings in City Code § 30-635(b)(1)-(2) and (c)(1)-(3) as provided below: City Code § 30-635(b): (1)The variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance. The intent of the ADU ordinance is to ensure accessory dwellings remain subordinate to the principal residence and to preserve neighborhood character. The proposed ADU is approximately 60% larger than allowed, which undermines this intent. The accessory structure limit also exists to avoid oversized outbuildings. Approval would conflict with the ordinance’s stated purpose. (2)The variance is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan. While the Comprehensive Plan does support single-family uses, it also relies on zoning standards to ensure orderly and consistent development. The proposed structure, exceeding both ADU and accessory size limits, is inconsistent with those implementing standards. Therefore, the request is not fully aligned with the Comprehensive Plan. City Code § 30-635(c): (1)The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance;