City Council Packet October 20, 2025

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Request for Action ToItem Number City Council7.2 Meeting DatePrepared By September 15, 2025Chris Leeseberg, Senior Planner Item DescriptionReviewed by Variance: Garage/Accessory Dwelling Unit Size, Zack Carlton Jennifer Belde - 21131 Vernon St NWCal Portner Tina Allard Action Requested Direct staff to draft a resolution making findings of fact denying the accessory structure size variances, as the standards for approval, as noted below, are not met. The City Council will consider the resolution on October 20, 2025. 1.The variance is not in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance, as the proposed ADU exceeds the maximum allowable living area by 600 square feet and the accessory structure exceeds the permitted size by 148 square feet, undermining the ordinance standards intended to ensure ADUs remain subordinate to the principal dwelling and that accessory structures remain consistent with neighborhood character. 2.The variance is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, which anticipates orderly residential development supported by zoning standards. Granting the variance would conflict with the implementing ordinances that guide residential scale and character. 3.The property can be reasonably used without the variance, as the zoning ordinance already permits a 1,000 square foot ADU and accessory structures up to 2,500 square feet. A compliant ADU and garage could be constructed without exceeding size limits. 4.The plight of the applicant is not due to circumstances unique to the property, but rather a result of the existing home and garage design, which does not justify exceeding ordinance limits. Economic considerations or design preferences do not constitute practical difficulties. 5.Granting the variance could alter the essential character of the locality, as the size of the proposed ADU may compete in scale with principal dwellings, changing the intended residential character of the R-1a district. Background/Discussion The 1.6-acre property, zoned R1-a (Single-Family Residential), is permitted a maximum of 2,500 sq ft. of accessory structure space, including accessory dwelling units (ADU), and a maximum of 1,000 sf of ADUs. The applicant is proposing a total of 2,648 sq ft. of accessory structures exceeding the maximum allowed by 148 sf, as well as proposing 1,600 sf of ADU exceeding the maximum allowed by 600 sf. The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity