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Board of Adjustments Minutes August 26, 2025 Belde family were to no longer live on that property. Page 2 of 4 Ms. Belde responded that a visual survey of her neighborhood showed 53 houses with 26 ADU structures. The proposed ADU was within the pole building structure. Mr. Hauge asked for clarification on the definition of an ADU. Ed Stevens, 21216 Vernon St, expressed concern about the appearance of an ADU. He questioned if the ADU would resemble a house or a pole barn. Ms. Belde responded that the proposed structure would have steel -clad siding and look like a pole barn. It would be subordinate to their house. Acting Chair Booth closed the public hearing. Mr. Leeseberg clarified that an ADU is a residential dwelling and any property in Elk River may have one ADU between 250-1,000 square feet. There are currently no design standards on ADUs or restrictions on who may live in the units. ADUs use the same septic, electrical, and address as the primary house. Mr. Leeseberg clarified with Ms. Belde that the 26 structures she counted in her neighborhood were pole buildings or garages not ADUs. She stated that was true. Commissioner Rydberg was concerned about converting a single-family residential lot into multi -family housing. He was concerned about the impact of multiple dwellings on the neighborhood, particularly if the Belde family should move from that site. He asked if adjusting their house may be an option rather than a separate ADU. Mr. Leeseberg clarified that ADUs, attached or detached, are allowed on any city lot and the applicant is asking for a variance to increase the size, not permission to have one. Acting Chair Booth stated he had built an ADU to city specifications and it was a straightforward process. He had concerns that the applicant was asking to go beyond ADU and accessory structure limitations. Commissioner Zahler added that he did not see where the applicant had a "unique circumstance" requiring the size adjustments. Moved by Commissioner Zahler and seconded by Commissioner Rydberg to deny the accessory structure size variances for the following reasons: 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 principafdwelling 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.