04-28-2015 BA MINMeeting of the Elk River Board of Adjustments
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Members Present: Chair Eric Johnson, Commissioners Garrett Christianson, Jill Larson -Vito
and Brad Thiel
Members Absent: Commissioners Crook and Konietzko
Staff Present: Park Planner /Planner Chris Leeseberg, Planner Zack Carlton and Sr.
Administrative Assistant Debbie Huebner
1. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Board of Adjustments
was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Johnson.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider 04/28/15 Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Thiel to approve
the April 28, 2015 Board of Adjustments agenda. Motion carried 5 -0.
4.1 Consider 03/24/2015 Board of Adjustments Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Thiel to approve
the March 24, 2015 Board of Adjustments Minutes. Motion carried 5 -0.
5.1 Request by Mathew Mellenthin for a 5 -foot wise yard setback variance to
construct garage at 14148 202nd Ave. NW, Case No. V 15 -05 — Public
Hearing
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report and reviewed the findings provided by the
applicant.
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing.
Mathew Mellethin, applicant, stated that he was available to answer questions.
There being no one to speak to this issue, Chair Johnson closed the public hearing.
Board of Adjustments Minutes Page 2
April 28, 2015
The Board of Adjustments reviewed the five criteria as follows:
1. Is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance.
Motion by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner
Christianson that the request does not meet Criteria #1. Motion carried 5 -0.
2. Is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan.
Motion by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Larson -
Vito that the request meets Criteria #2. Motion carried 5 -0.
3. The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted
by the zoning ordinance
Motion by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner
Christianson that the request meets Criteria #3. Motion carried 5 -0.
4. The plight of the petitioner is due to circumstances unique to the property not a
consequence of the petition's own action or inaction.
Motion by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner
Christianson that the request meets Criteria #4. Motion carried 5 -0.
5. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
Motion by Commissioner Christianson and seconded by Commissioner
Johnson that the request meets Criteria #5. Motion carried 5 -0.
Motion by Commissioner Larson -Vito and seconded by Commissioner Christianson
to approve the request by Mathew Mellenthin for a 5 -foot side yard setback variance,
based on the finding that all five criteria can be met. Motion carried 5 -0.
5.2 Request by GATR Truck Center for a 20 -foot sign height variance to allow a
50 -foot high pylon sign, Case No. V 15 -06 — Public Hearing
The staff report was presented by Zack Carlton. He noted that he did not receive comments
from the applicant on the five criteria that must be met to approve the variance.
Chair Johnson asked what was the height of the Cornerstone Auto and the Kia signs. Mr.
Carlton stated the signs are 30 feet high.
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing.
Tom Bruce, Winkleman Building Corporation, stated that he was representing the applicant,
GATR Truck Center. Mr. Bruce noted that GATR Truck Center has other properties with
taller signs. He stated that the St. Cloud site has a sign 70 feet in height and the Des Moines
sign is 100 ft. tall. He stated that this is a large site and there will only be one sign. Mr. Bruce
discussed why they felt the five criteria can be met.
Board of Adjustments Minutes
Apri 28, 2015
Page 3
Tim Decklan, Decklan Group, stated that other buildings in the area will be approximately
30 feet in height and a 30 -foot sign would be masked by the buildings, reducing visibility.
Mr. Carlton noted that billboards are limited to 35 feet in height. He also noted that the
applicant will also be having a monument sign and two wall signs.
There being no other comment, Chair Johnson closed the public hearing.
1. Is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance.
Motion by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner
Christianson that the request does not meet Criteria #1. Motion carried 5 -0.
2. Is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan.
Motion by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Larson -
Vito that the request does not meet Criteria #2. Motion carried 5 -0.
3. The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not
permitted by the zoning ordinance
Motion by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Larson -
Vito that the request does not meet Criteria #3. Motion carried 5 -0.
4. The plight of the petitioner is due to circumstances unique to the property not
a consequence of the petition's own action or inaction.
Motion by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Thiel that
the request does not meet Criteria #4. Motion carried 5 -0.
5. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
Motion by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Larson -
Vito that the request does not meet Criteria #5. Motion carried 5 -0.
Motion by Commissioner Larson -Vito and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to
deny the request by GATR Truck Center for a 20 -foot sign height variance, based on
the finding that none of the five criteria for granting a variance can be met. Motion
carried 5 -0.
6. General Business — There was no general business.
7. Announcements
There were no announcements.
8. Adjournment
Board of Adjustments Minutes
April 28, 2015
Page 4
There being no further business, Chair Eric Johnson adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
Board of Adjustments at 7:05 p.m.