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From:Timothy St. ClaireTo:Chris LeesebergCc:Minda St. ClaireSubject:Re: St Claire DeckDate:Wednesday, November 5, 2025 4:15:21 PMAttachments:St.claire_DeckVariance_ConstructionLimitation.PDF3.c-Home-Safety-Checklist-Guidance.pdfHi Chris,Thank you again for taking the time to visit our home and discuss the deck variancerequest. We really appreciate your feedback throughout this process.As we mentioned during the visit, there are several site conditions that make it <br />challenging to design a deck that stays entirely within the current setback requirements: <br />Existing spigot location: The spigot on the northeast side of the house limits how <br />far the deck can be shifted in that direction without significant utility modification. <br />Fixed swing set: The anchored swing set in the northwest corner restricts usable <br />space and prevents shifting the deck footprint further west. <br />Window load concerns: The two 8-foot windows on the northwest wall require the <br />deck structure to be positioned and supported in a way that avoids placing <br />excessive load on the window framing, limiting available placement options. <br />This variance request is particularly important to our family because we are currently in <br />the process of adopting a child. As part of the home study requirements, our deck must <br />be rebuilt to meet safety and structural standards. Specifically, Physical Environment <br />sections 7 and 8 (free of potential safety hazards) would be of most concern. The current <br />deck cannot have a functioning gate attached to the stairs and is part of our emergency <br />exit plan for both upstairs bedrooms. Approving this deck variance will allow us to meet <br />the requirements needed to welcome a new child into our home. <br />Thank you again for your time and consideration Please let us know if any additional <br />information would be helpful as the process continues. <br />Warm regards, <br />Tim St. Claire <br />From: Chris Leeseberg <CLeeseberg@ElkRiverMN.gov> <br />Sent: Monday, November 3, 2025 1:25:09 PM <br />Page 178 of 379