4.1 BASR 10-25-2016Request for Action
To
Item Number
Board of Adjustments
4.1
Agenda Section
Meeting Date
Prepared by
Public Hearings
October 25, 2016
BrieAnna Simon, Planner
Kristin Mroz, Environmental Technician
Item Description
Reviewed by
Progressive Builders - 10744 Twin Lakes Parkway
Zack Carlton, Planning Manager
■ Encroachment of a deck into the wetland
buffer setback, Case No. V 16-11
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, the variance request by Progressive Builders to allow a deck to encroach 12 foot
into the required 45 foot wetland setback for the following reasons:
1. The general purpose and intent of the ordinance are met.
2. The property has a land use of residential and the use is consistent with the comprehensive plan.
3. The proposed use is reasonable and is permitted in the zoning ordinance.
4. The plight of the petitioner is due to circumstances unique to the property not a consequence of
the petitioners own action or inaction.
5. The variance will not alter the essential character of the locality.
If the Board approves the request, staff recommends the following conditions:
1. The area within the 25 foot wedand buffer strip is not to be maintained as yard area (no mowing,
no planting, no landscaping) and must be left to grow naturally.
2. The 25 foot wedand buffer strip area must be signed to identify the buffer edge and note that
maintenance is not permitted within the area.
If the Board of Adjustments denies the request, or an appeal is made by any interested party by
November 8, 2016, the application will automatically be forwarded to the City Council for consideration.
That meeting will be held on Monday, November 21, 2016, at 6:00 p.m.
Background/Discussion
The property owner, Progressive Builders, is proposing to construct a 14 foot by 12 foot deck with a 4
foot by 14 foot stairwell on the backside of the single-family home located at 10744 Twin Lakes Parkway.
The property is located with the Twin Lakes Estates Addition Planned Unit Development (PUD). The
home is constructed approximately 49 feet from the rear property line, which is within 45 feet from the
water edge of the wetland. Approximately 1.5 percent of this property is covered in wetland which
translates to approximately 37.5 percent of the property being restricted by the wetland setback.
City ordinance identifies two wetland buffers: first, a 25 foot no mow/maintenance buffer, which
prohibits alterations to the established vegetation, and second, an additional 20 foot buffer prohibiting
structures. The proposed deck extends 12 feet into the wedand setback area and does not extend into the
wetland buffer area. The ordinance establishing both of the buffer areas was adopted in 2006, after the
development was platted. Therefore, the proposed deck will fall within the new ordinance regulation that
p a w E R E U 6 Y
NaA f RE]
is being proposed for adoption by the Planning Commission on October 25, 2016, and City Council on
November 21, 2016.
Section 30-1852 regulates wetland setbacks as shown in the image below. The deck will not encroach
into the 25 foot wetland buffer strip (red), but is within the required 20 foot wetland buffer (strip) setback
(orange). The applicant is asking for a 12 foot variance from the 20 foot wetland buffer strip setback
which does not allow structures. Staff has no concern with issuing a variance for the deck as proposed.
It was brought to the city's attention on October 17, 2016 that the deck has since been built on the
property prior to receiving the variance or a building permit. The deck was constructed according to the
plans outlined in the variance application.
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Applicable Regulation
(The applicant's responses are italicized with staffs notes after.)
Variances may be granted when the petitioner establishes that the variance satisfies all five of the criteria
described below. The variance is:
This document will explain the nature and conditions of the request for two variances to allow for construction of a
singlejamiybouse on the subject property listed above, also known as Lot 3, Block 1, TW17N LAKES
ESTATES.
1. Is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance, and
In 2004, this lot was created and designed to support a singlejamiystructure according to the City standards
at that time. Wl'e propose to construct and attach a deck to the rear of the newly constructed house on this lot.
However, due to more recent City wetland buffer ordinances (Division 10.5, Section 30-1852), this lot will no
Ion
ger support an addition of a deck.
Planning
The intent of the wetland setbacks is to protect wetlands from negative impacts of building
too close to them. The applicant is staying out of the wetland buffer strip and only proposing
a portion of the porch to be located in the wetland buffer strip setback area. The general
purpose and intent of the ordinance are met.
Environmental
The intent of the wedand setbacks is to protect wetlands from negative impacts of building
too close to them. The applicant is staying out of the wetland buffer strip and only proposing
a portion of the porch to be located in the wetland buffer strip setback area. Rainwater
runoff is a concern for wetland water quality. However, decks typically allow some form of
infiltration into the ground (as opposed to a roofed structure). Additionally, another concern
is the possibility of the wetland growing in size. A deck will not be as impacted by saturated
ground as a structure with foundation would be. The general purpose and intent of the
ordinance are met.
2. Is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan.
Our intention is to adhere to the City ordinances as closely as possible. ile feel that the proposed use of the lot
is consistent with the City' s comprehensive plan and is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the
ordinance and requirements for this P. U.D. development.
Planning
The property has a land use designation of residential and the proposed residential use is
consistent with the comprehensive plan.
Environmental
The property has a land use designation of residential and the proposed residential use is
consistent with the comprehensive plan.
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Variances may be granted when the petitioner establishes that there are practical difficulties in complying
with the zoning ordinance. Practical difficulties mean that:
3. The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by
the zoning ordinance;
lie feel that the construction of a deck is utilising the property in a reasonable manner. The proposed deck will
not alter the essential character of the locality and it will be consistent with other homes surrounding this
drainage basin.
Planning
The proposed residential use is reasonable and is permitted in the zoning ordinance.
Environmental
The proposed residential use is reasonable and is permitted in the zoning ordinance.
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; and
The 25 foot wetland buffer strip, along with the 20 foot wetland buffer strip setback, combines for an overall
setback of 45 feet from the normal water level of the basin behind Lot 3. This lot was designed and approved
as a buildable lot by the City without consideration of a wetland buffer strip and setback. It appears that
many of the existing houses andl or decks around this basin do not meet the current 45 foot setback.
Planning
Although new wetland classifications and restrictions have been established since the
applicant purchased the property in 2012. Due to the proximity of the house and house
design in relation to the wetland, the proposed location is perhaps the best area on the
property to construct a deck as it has less wetland impact. The applicant is willing to work
with the City to alter the proposed desk if it is the desire of City Council and staff. Wetlands
are not unique to properties in Elk River. The subject property has approximately 0.4 acres
(half) of wetlands leaving approximately 0.33 acres (half) of non -wetland property. As the
ordinance is written today a deck would not be feasible on the subject property.
Environmental
This lot was platted prior to the wetland rules. Today, staff makes sure that housing plans
include space for a deck that is 45 ft. from the wetland. Due to the circumstances of the plat,
the applicant is restricted in space for a deck and has chosen a reasonable option.
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Commission\V 16-11 sr BA 10-25-16.docx
The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
IYIe feel that the construction of a deck is utilising the property in a reasonable manner. The proposed deck will
not alter the essential character of the locality and it will be consistent with other homes surrounding this
drainage basin.
Planning
The variance will not alter the essential character of the locality. The proposed deck would be
consistent with decks located on neighboring properties.
Environmental
The variance will not alter the essential character of the locality. The proposed deck would be
consistent with decks located on neighboring properties.
Financial Impact
None
Attachments
Location Map
Applicants Narrative
Site Plan Exhibit
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Variance Narrative
10744 Twin Lakes Parkway
This document will explain the nature and conditions of the request for two variances to allow
for construction of a single family house on the subject property listed above, also known as Lot
3, Block 1, TWIN LAKES ESTATES.
In 2004, this lot was created and designed to support a single family structure according to the
City standards at that time. We propose to construct and attach a deck to the rear of the newly
constructed house on this lot. However, due to more recent City wetland buffer ordinances
(Division 10.5, Section 30-1852), this lot will no longer support an addition of a deck.
The 25 foot wetland buffer strip, along with the 20 foot wetland buffer strip setback, combines
for an overall setback of 45 feet from the normal water level of the basin behind Lot 3. This lot
was designed and approved as a buildable lot by the City without consideration of a wetland
buffer strip and setback. It appears that many of the existing houses and/or decks around this
basin do not meet the current 45 foot setback.
Our intention is to adhere to the City ordinances as closely as possible. We feel that the
proposed use of the lot is consistent with the City's comprehensive plan and is in harmony with
the general .purpose and intent of the ordinance and requirements for this P.U.D. development.
We feel that the construction of a deck is utilizing the property in a reasonable manner. The
proposed deck will not alter the essential character of the locality and it will be consistent with
other homes surrounding this drainage basin.
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