4.1. PCSR 12-17-2019Request for Action
To Item Number
Planning Commission 4.1
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Public Hearings December 17, 2019 Chris Leeseberg, Senior Planner
Item Description Reviewed by
Sogdiana LLC/Zafar Khamdamov – 732 Vernon Ave.
Zack Carlton, Planning Manager
Zone Change from Single Family Residential (R1-c)
Reviewed by
to Residential Townhouse/Multi-Family Use (R3),
Case No. ZC 19-04
Action Requested
Recommend, by motion, denial of the zone change from R1-c
(single-family residential) to R3 (townhouse/multi-family
residential) for the following reasons:
1. Re-zoning the parcel would not be consistent with the
surrounding area.
2. The subject property does not act as a transition between
single-family and multi-family districts.
3. The site cannot provide the required parking for an R3
zoning classification.
4. The existing structure has only one attached garage. Three
would be required.
5. The existing structure does not comply with design
standards of the R3 district.
Background/Discussion
The applicant was notified by city staff the use of the subject
property as a multi-family residence is not in compliance with the
city codes. The applicant is applying for a zone change to bring the
property into zoning compliance and maintain the multi-family use.
The structure was built in 1976 as a single-family home and the applicant purchased the property in
February 2019. The applicant is proposing to have three units. The structure looks like a single-family
home in a single-family district and the property has not received any building permits to convert the
home to a multi-family building, nor does the city does have any documentation indicating the property
previously received approval to operate as a multi-family use. The city denied a similar request to rezone
the parcel to R3 in 2004.
The purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to establish a framework and expectations as to the future use
of land. The subject property is .55-acres and would have 5.45 units/acre (three units), which is about
the plan guidance of 3 to 4 units/acre. The subject parcel is also located within an older established
single-family residential neighborhood where a multi-family building would be out of place.
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Applicable Regulations
Multiple family uses within an R3 zoning district must comply with the following standards.
Parking
Resident parking shall be provided at one space per bedroom and guest parking shall be ½ parking
spaces per unit and shall be provided in an off-street parking lot or private drive. The applicant stated
Unit #1 has three bedrooms, Unit #2 has one bedroom, and Unit #3 has three bedrooms. The required
amount of parking for this proposed multi-family residence would be 9.5 (10) stalls. The subject
property, in its existing state, appears to be able to park four vehicles (2 in the garage and 2 on the
driveway).
Garages
Each dwelling unit shall include an attached garage that is a minimum of 22-feet wide. The existing
single-family residence has only one attached garage.
Building Design and Construction Standards
The existing single-family residence does not appear to meet the requirements of the R3 design
standards.
The R3 district is intended to function as a transition between the less intense single-family district and
the more intense multi-family districts. The subject property does not accomplish this. If this property
were to be re-zoned, it would only be a .55-acre parcel of land zoned R3 surrounded by a large area of
properties zoned R1-c.
Spot zoning is always a consideration when looking at a small rezoning application. Standards define
spot zoning as “the process of singling out a small parcel of land for a use classification totally different
from that of the surrounding area for the benefit of the owner of such property and to the detriment of
other owners.” This request is different from the surrounding area and only benefits the property owner.
In the review of the standards for a Zone Change as outlined, it appears that the request is not consistent
with the standards. This structure, as well as the site, does not support a multiple family zoning use.
Financial Impact
None
Statutory Review Period
Per State Statute §15.99, the required 60-day review period ends on January 31, 2020.
Council Meeting
If acted on, this item will go to January 21, 2020, City Council meeting.
Attachments
Location Map
Applicant’s Narrative
Aerial and Site Photos
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SOMANA LLC
Real Escare Company
13500 Grove Dr. I Unit 1418 1 Maple Grove MN 55311 1 Office: 612.703.7730
December 2, 2019
This is the request for Zoning Change of a Single-family property located at 732 Vernon Ave NW Elk River MN in a
residential RIC zoning district, to an R3 Multi -Family use. We are seeking approval for a Multi -Family Use of this
building.
Without any further structural modifications, the property currently offers approximately 4000 square feet of livable
spaces that meet the building codes with three divided separate Units. Each unit in the property currently offers
necessary amenities such as Bathroom, kitchen, onsite laundry, and variable bedrooms.
Change of Zoning will allow us to use this building in its Current State with no further modification as a multi -family
property.
Reason:
Our property will offer functional and affordable units for small families, particularly in today's high-cost housing
markets and the shortage of affordable leaving and for more efficient use of land and the building.
Property Description:
The property sits on a 0.75 -acre parcel and offers approximately 4,500 combined square feet of livable space that meets
the building codes with divided three separate Units. The current modification of the property is very similar to the
Townhouse category with separate entrances.
Unit -1 offers 3 bedrooms, Living room, 1 bathroom, kitchen, and in -unit laundry
Unit -2 offers: 1 bedroom, Living room, Dining room, 1 bathroom, kitchen and in -unit laundry
Unit -3 offers: 3 bedrooms, Living room, Dining room, 1 bathroom, Kitchen and in -unit laundry
The Large backyard offers shared an outdoor common area for tenants' use.
Concrete Driveway is capable of accommodating parking for up to six vehicles
Benefits to the City:
The property has already been taxed and classified as a Multi Family Dwelling
Since the ownership of the property as of February 2019, we have put significant effort and invested funds to restore
the property to its current great condition and more appealing and attractive appearance; the restoration work included
interior and exterior cosmetic updates;
❑ New Siding was installed throughout the entire property.
❑ Broken Garage door has been replaced with New.
❑ Three large dumpsters of trash have been removed to cleanout the back yard form all kinds of debris,
appliances, and furniture.
❑ Two unauthorized distressed Shed storage buildings have been removed
❑ Landscaping and grass have been restored.
Since then the property has been well maintained and to avoid the distractive visual appearance and to preserve overall
neighborhood value
We strictly regulate Lease provisions and currently have well-behaved Tenants that care and show an effort to help us
maintain the property form inside and out. We conduct frequent property inspections to make sure all ground rules of
the Lease are followed, and to keep the physical -mechanical ads and there are no suspicious activities are taking place
at the property.
Sincerely,
I
Zafar K. Khamdamov
Director of Operations
Sogdiana LLC
612.703.7730
tzk.corp@gmail.com
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