City Council Packet December 15, 2025

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Request for Action City of Elk River To Board of Adjustments Meeting Date November 25, 2025 Item Description Variance: Structure Size Variance, Benjamin Poythress - 13640 Island View Dr NW Item Number 5.1 Prepared By Chris Leeseberg, Senior Planner Reviewed by Zack Carlton Action Requested Deny, by motion, the variance proposal to exceed the permitted size of a water -oriented storage structure, as the following standards have not been met: 1. Allowing a structure nearly twice the size of what is permitted within the shore impact zone does not meet the general purpose and intent of the ordinance. 2. The property has a land use guidance for residential, and the proposed single-family residential use is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. 3. The proposed use is not reasonable as the property already contains a permitted 100 SF. water - oriented structure that serves the intended purpose of storing lake -related equipment. 4. There are no circumstances unique to the property that create hardship. The request results from the applicant's desire for additional space, which is a self-created condition, not a property hardship. 5. Granting the variance would permit a structure nearly twice the size allowed within proximity to the lake that could alter the essential character. Background/Discussion The Board of Adjustments initially reviewed this request on October 28, 2025, and after hearing comments and concerns from the Board, the applicant requested to postpone action until the November 25, 2025, meeting to provide additional time to explore alternative solutions/designs. Prior to providing any alternative, the applicant requested an explanation be provided specifying the ordinance language that requires a deck to be included in water -oriented structure square footage, as well as additional information. That correspondence is included as an attachment. They have reduced the size of the deviation, and are now requesting a 10-foot x 17-foot building addition. An outline of the proposed square footage is as follows: • 100 SF. Existing Building (10' x 1 0') • 320 SF. "Proposed" Deck (currently under construction) • 420 SF. Existing Water -Oriented Structure (400 allowed) • 170 SF. Proposed Building (10' x IT) • 590 SF. Total Existing and Proposed The Elk River Vision A avelcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exc ptional service, and community p p W E H E U A Y engagement that encourages and inspires prosperityIck 447